Why My Son Started Eating Eggs: The Power of Ownership in Money and Life

March 3, 2026

Until January of this year, my six-year-old did not eat eggs.

As a family, we knew this. We didn’t force it. His older brother, on the other hand, loves eggs. Saturday mornings usually mean egg sandwiches and an easy start to the day.

One Saturday, after a late night, the boys ran into our room and asked if they could make their own breakfast.

Absolutely. An extra hour of sleep? Yes, please.

When I came downstairs, I saw something I did not expect.

My six-year-old was sitting at the table, eating an egg sandwich — and declaring how great it was.

Apparently, his older brother had let him crack the eggs and scramble them in the pot. In his mind, he had made the eggs.

The pride on his face was unmistakable.

From that morning on, he informed me he was in charge of breakfast.

We are now in the first week of March, and this child asks for an egg sandwich almost every morning. We had to compromise — three days a week. His older brother, who once loved eggs, is now dramatically “taking a month off.”

All because of ownership.

What Changed?

The eggs didn’t change.

The seasoning didn’t change.

The recipe didn’t change.

What changed was this:

He cracked the eggs.

He seasoned them.

He stirred them in the skillet (with supervision).

He made them to his liking.

And suddenly, something he “didn’t like” became something he requested daily.

The Money Lesson: Ownership Changes Everything

The same rule applies to money.

Many of us say:

• “I hate budgeting.”

• “Saving is stressful.”

• “I’m just not good with money.”

But often, what we dislike isn’t the money itself.

We dislike systems that don’t feel like ours.

We’re told to save – but not how it fits our personality.

We’re told to budget – but not in a way that aligns with our lifestyle.

We’re handed someone else’s financial recipe and expected to enjoy it.

No wonder it feels forced.

Find Your Financial Recipe

Ownership reduces friction.

If you’re the king of person who likes something tangible:

Empty your pockets at the end of the day and put that cash in a jar. At the end of the month, deposit it into savings.

If you would absolutely forget:

Automate your savings the day your paycheck hits. Let the system work for you.

If you like control:

Track it manually. Check your accounts regularly. Adjust weekly.

There isn’t one “right” way.

There’s only the way that makes you feel engaged instead of overwhelmed.

Reduce Financial Stress by Increasing Ownership

Stress and anxiety often come from feeling like money is happening to you.

Ownership flips that.

When you design your system — even a simple one — you move from resistance to participation.

Just like my son with the eggs.

Same ingredients.

Different experience.

Final Thought

If you don’t like how your finances taste, don’t throw away the whole kitchen.

Change the recipe.

Take ownership.

And make it your own.

About the Author

Petra-Ann Brown is a financial educator, coach, and founder of Brown Financial Solutions. A 100 Women of Color honoree, she helps busy professionals and families build financial clarity, confidence, and intentional money habits so their finances support the life they’re building, not control it. She also hosts the Island Money 365 podcast.