How do I introduce the concept of money to a young child?

Use play money in pretend store games, let your child hand cash to cashiers during real shopping trips, and sort coins by size and color as a counting activity. At this age, the goal is simple awareness — money is exchanged for things we need. Introduce the concept of waiting ('We'll save up for that toy') to plant early seeds of delayed gratification. There's no need for formal financial education yet. Discuss developmental readiness with your pediatrician.