Many Americans believe that parents should teach kids about money, but a CNBC + Acorns survey reveals that many don't discuss this topic with their own children.

It is generally believed among Americans that it is the responsibility of parents to educate their children about money matters.

A survey by CNBC and Acorns Invest in You revealed that many parents do not discuss finances with their children.

According to a survey by Momentive, 83% of U.S. adults believe that parents are the most responsible for educating their children on a certain topic. The online poll was conducted among a national sample of 3,953 adults, including 1,149 parents, on March 23-24.

Less than half of parents (45%) speak with their children about household finances more than once a week, with 13% doing so once a week and 16% once a month. On the other hand, 24% talk to their children less often and 31% never do.

The survey found that those who earn less money were more likely to have money conversations once a week or more, as were Black and Hispanic respondents.

According to Yanely Espinal, director of educational outreach at Next Gen Personal Finance, a nonprofit personal finance organization, every child's first teacher is their parent.

“This means early money lessons in the home are critical.”

Yet many parents may have feelings of self-doubt.

Teaching kids about money can be a daunting task, especially when you're not confident in your own understanding of the subject, according to certified financial planner Tom Henske, managing partner at New-York based The Affluent Insurance Advisor.

Monthly dinner table conversations can have a significant impact, he stated.

Henske, author of "It Makes Total Cents," stated that the key is to create an environment that excites kids about discussing money.

The case for school

There is also a role for schools to play, advocates argue.

Espinal, whose parents are immigrants from the Dominican Republic, stated that not incorporating personal finance instruction in public schools could lead to the continuation of generational cycles where children whose parents received financial education will benefit, while those whose parents did not will be at a disadvantage.

As she grew up, her family relied on cash instead of maintaining financial accounts. It wasn't until Espinal made some expensive errors that she learned about money management.

A growing number of states are mandating personal finance classes for high school graduation, with Florida being the latest to do so. As a result, twenty-five states now require high school students to take personal finance coursework, either as a standalone class or integrated into another course, according to the Council for Economic Education.

There are 46 personal finance bills currently being considered in 21 states, according to the Next Gen Personal Finance bill tracker.

According to Nan Morrison, president and CEO of the Council for Economic Education, research indicates that high school students who take part in financial and economic education classes make more informed decisions regarding their college financing.

She stated that they have both better credit scores and lower loan default rates.

Teaching your kids about money

It is crucial for parents to impart financial literacy to their children at an early age.

The Council for Economic Education provides free Family-At-Home Financial Fun Packs, which include age-appropriate games, activities, and worksheets for you to do together.

The National Endowment for Financial Education offers free online courses, learning activities, and quizzes, while Next Gen Personal Finance provides free online games and activities on topics such as investing and budgeting.

Games are a fun way to teach kids about money. Inflation concerns prompt Americans to reevaluate their financial decisions. If prices continue to rise, consumers may need to reduce spending in certain areas.

Rewritten sentence: Teach your kids about money management by showing them how to budget, save, and invest.

Henske emphasized the importance of monthly dinner conversations, suggesting starting with an open-ended question like, "What are the ways we borrow money in this house?"

He began a discussion about borrowing, lending, mortgages, credit cards, and car loans.

Henske stated that money in children's hands is a potent tool for learning.

While 44% of survey respondents gave their children an allowance, 55% did not. However, the way kids earn money is a personal decision, which can be through an allowance, job, or gifts.

Henske stated that one would never bring their child to a tennis lesson without a racket.

It is impossible to adequately teach children about money without giving them some to handle in practice.

To receive the 8-week course on financial freedom, Money 101, click here. For the Spanish version, click here.

Disclosure: NBCUniversal and Comcast Ventures are investors in Acorns.