Why don't parents tell children about family finances?

[Stephen T]

My parents never told me how much they made. I never asked and just assumed everyone was in the same boat. After further research, I read an article that said parents should talk to their kids about their status because then the child will know what is okay to ask for, what bills have to be paid, how college will be funded, etc. Imagine not telling your child about sex, illness, and other items they will encounter in life! Why is there a stigma attached to discussing money?
Most of these answers say "it's none of their business". My question is "why not?" We teach them about everything else in life (even if they are too young) but we don't tell them about money. I'm not suggesting you throw the stack of bills at them and say "figure it out" but rather let them know why Johnny has a nicer home or Suzie asks to come over for dinner a lot - I think it is a child's right to know the basics of the family.

[Ruthie]

I'm with arial let the kids be kids! We've got enough problems today with kids trying to grow up too fast. There's a difference between teaching them about finances and thrusting a concept that they will not understand because they aren't ready. If my parents tried talking to me about their personal finances when i was 8, 9, 10 even 14 I would have looked at them like they were from mars and said 'can i go play now?' Discussing finances and how to manage it when it's age appropriate is fine but they should not have to be burdened with adult problems. Let the kids be kids.

[Happy mommy]

I don't tell my children about family finances because i want them to be kids and not have to worry about adult problems right now. Teaching them money management does not mean you have to open up your check book and show them where your at, it means teaching it at a level they can understand without burdening them with worry. With that being said it works both ways i can see rich people not disclosing that with their child because they don't want them to feel entitled or wasteful with money. There are many reasons parents don't involve their children in financial matters.
I do agree though, that once a child becomes a certian age then you should educate them on financial matters and use personal experience to guide them. At an appropriate age then they have probably already figured out where you are roughly at where money is concerned by the lifestyle your family lives so they can better understand it and take some personally responsibility of their own (like working and contributing to the household). But i think telling them anything about your personal money situation before age 17 or so would be robbing them of just enjoying childhood. I mean my daughter understands if we tell her she will have to save for something really expensive and keeps her expectations within our normal lifestyle without her knowing our financial status.