As one of those people who once knew nothing about money and did perceive the importance of learning about it, I must respectfully disagree. When I got my first "real" job in my 30s and saw how much of my money went to the government, I hit the bookstore and library to learn how to remedy my situation. That's when I learned about investments in the stock market and real estate. I wish my parents had talked with me about money; maybe I would have gotten an earlier start.
I bet if you gave them the option, 8 out of 10 fourth graders would vote to not have to learn mathematics. But we make them learn it don't we? Given an option.... most kids will chose the path of least resistance. Think about it.
Yes, that is why i am interested in how to spark her interest instead of forcing. You spark the interest and it goes by itself. THat would be a biggest dilemma, as for my case, i was raised in severe poverty and decided my life will be a struggle against beating poverty at all costs, but she is raising in very comfortable environment.
There are also big difference between knowing and knowing + acting. Person who understand money but does not act is almost same as not caring / knowing about it. Acting is where it differs. IF you are avid investor in stock and options, then chances are you are very well action oriented.
Perhaps it is more important to help her develop her interest in finance/trading rather than teach her the methods. And you can lead a horse to water but cannot make her drink.
It's probably better to start off with simple lessons about understanding the value of money. Don't trivialize it by turning it into a game. Being responsible with your money should be the cornerstone of any kind of trading or investing.
YOU don't even need to try to spark the interest.. once again.. if she is orientated toward money you're going to see small kid money attitude.. that is counting money, bringing up money when others don't. talking about things they could buy if they had money.. asking ways to make money, asking to do some jobs for money..... money is so around us kids are a lot smarter then you think.. they know that money buys things or whatever you want to do, might require money.. my problem with this, is I think never should a kid be talked about in regards of money.. none, because most kids don't talk about money because it's not important to them.. and yes it's important later in life but lets admit money doesn't buy happiness... putting a hyper focus on money to a kid is basically going to create a perfectionist attitude toward money when they grow up, and this is the curse of trying to get them to see the value of money from your side.. I think it gets the opposite result of what you want to achieve.. and I believe that comes from the fact you just said.. you grew up poor.. you prolly worry if she is going to have a "good life" because she has money or not.. but in reality that's not what creates a good life.. family, a sense of purpose, drive, passion, growth mentality, work play balance, knowing yourself, self esteem, respect for others, hard work mentality, goals, attitude, behavior.... those are the things that are worth more then any amount of gold, because without those you're just living in a golden cage. my opinions on growing up damn poor and knowing my parents struggled financially...
may be your father's failure in this respect (i am not saying complete failure, i am sure yours had many success in other regards) can teach a thing or two in order to make failure a worth. may be you could explain why your father did not understand what you like? - was he careless, or conceited? - thought you should like only what he likes? I know there are lot of copter parents, or extremely controlling ones or simply thinks their child is mirror image of them so their child should pursue what they have pursue. I am trying best to not to that