The other day, my 9-year-old came running to me with his wallet, eyes bright with excitement. “Dad, I want to give some of my birthday money to help kids who don’t have clean water!” He’d been learning about water wells in Sunday school and was genuinely moved to action. But then came the hard part: actually parting with the cash he’d been saving for a new bike.

We sat together and talked through his feelings—the desire to help, but also the disappointment of giving up something he really wanted. In that moment, I realized this was exactly the kind of conversation that shapes character. Teaching our children to give from their own money isn’t just about the dollars and cents; it’s about helping them wrestle with real choices and discover the joy that comes from sacrificial generosity.

In this fifth post of our series, we’ll explore practical ways to help our children learn to give from their allowance, earnings, and gifts—creating habits that will serve them well throughout their lives.

What the Bible Says About Money and Giving

Jesus talked about money more than almost any other topic, and for good reason. In Luke 16:11, He says, “So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” Jesus understood that how we handle money reveals something important about our hearts.

Teaching our children to give from their own money helps them understand that everything we have belongs to God. As it says in Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” When children give from their allowance or earnings, they’re practicing stewardship—learning to manage God’s resources well.

The key is helping them see giving not as a burden or obligation, but as an opportunity to participate in God’s work in the world. When we give, we get to be part of feeding the hungry, caring for orphans, and spreading the Gospel. What a privilege!

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

Jesus told a story about a master who was going on a journey. Before he left, he gave money to three of his servants to manage while he was away. To one servant he gave five talents (a large amount of money), to another he gave two talents, and to the third he gave one talent.

The first two servants invested their money wisely and doubled what they’d been given. But the third servant was afraid and buried his one talent in the ground to keep it safe.

When the master returned, he was delighted with the first two servants. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” he said. “You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.”

But he was disappointed with the third servant who had done nothing with what he’d been given. The master said, “You should have at least put my money in the bank so it could earn interest!”

This story teaches us that God wants us to be wise and active with the resources He’s given us—including teaching our children to use their money in ways that honor Him. Giving is one important way we invest in God’s kingdom.

Starting Simple: The Three-Jar System

One of the most effective ways to teach children about money management is the simple three-jar (or envelope) system:

Save: Money set aside for future goals—maybe a special toy, a bike, or even college someday.

Spend: Money available for immediate wants and needs—snacks, small toys, or treats.

Share: Money designated for giving to church, charities, or people in need.

When your child receives money—whether from allowance, chores, gifts, or earnings—help them divide it among these three categories. A simple starting point might be 50% spend, 30% save, and 20% share, but you can adjust these percentages based on your family’s values and your child’s age.

The beauty of this system is that it makes giving automatic rather than an afterthought. When giving is built into the process from the beginning, children learn that generosity is a normal part of managing money.

Making Giving Meaningful

Let Them Choose: Rather than telling your children exactly where to give, provide them with options and let them make the choice. Maybe they can pick between supporting a local food bank, sponsoring a child overseas, or contributing to your church’s missions fund. When children have a say in where their money goes, they’re more invested in the process.

Connect Giving to Stories: Help your children understand how their giving makes a difference. If they’re supporting a sponsored child, read the letters together. If they’re giving to a local shelter, visit and see the work firsthand. Making the connection between their gift and its impact helps children understand the real purpose behind their generosity.

Celebrate Giving: Just as you might celebrate when your child saves enough for a big purchase, celebrate their giving milestones too. “You’ve now given enough to provide clean water for a family for a whole month!” or “Your giving helped buy Christmas presents for three children at the shelter!”

Start Small: Don’t overwhelm young children with pressure to give large amounts. Even a quarter or dollar bill given with a generous heart is valuable in God’s eyes. As children grow and their income increases, their giving can grow too.

Teaching Through Real Experiences

Some of our most powerful teaching moments happen when children face real choices about their money. Here’s how to guide them through these decisions:

When They Want Something Expensive: Help them create a savings plan, but also talk about what they might give up to reach their goal. “If you save an extra two dollars each week by giving up that candy bar, you’ll reach your goal faster—and you could put that candy money toward helping others too.”

When They Receive Unexpected Money: Birthdays and holidays are great times to practice the three-jar system. “Grandma gave you $20! How should we divide this up?”

When They Earn Money: Whether it’s payment for extra chores, a small job, or entrepreneurial efforts like a lemonade stand, help them think through how to manage their earnings wisely.

When They See Needs: Use news stories, community needs, or church missions as opportunities to discuss how their giving could help. “The family whose house burned down needs help buying clothes. Would you like to contribute some of your sharing money?”

Family Activity: The Generosity Growth Chart

Here’s a practical way to help your family track and celebrate giving:

Materials Needed:

• Poster board or large paper
• Markers, crayons, or stickers
• Pictures or information about your chosen giving recipients

Instructions:

1. As a family, choose one or two specific giving goals for the next few months (example: sponsor a child for $30/month, provide $100 for the local food bank, save $50 for Christmas shoe boxes).
2. Create a visual chart showing your progress toward these goals.
3. Each time a family member contributes to the giving fund, add a sticker or color in part of the chart.
4. Display pictures and information about who or what you’re supporting.
5. When you reach a goal, celebrate together and choose your next giving project.

This helps children see that their individual contributions add up to make a real difference when the whole family works together.

Common Questions and Challenges

“But I want to spend all my money!” This is normal, especially for younger children. Remind them that the sharing portion is small, and emphasize the good their giving will do. Sometimes it helps to show them pictures or videos of the people their giving helps.

“Why do I have to give when other kids don’t?” Use this as an opportunity to talk about your family’s values and what the Bible teaches about generosity. “We give because God has been generous to us, and we want to share His love with others.”

“I forget to divide my money.” Make it a habit to divide money as soon as it’s received. Keep the jars or envelopes in a visible place as a reminder.

“How much should they give?” Start with whatever feels manageable for your family situation. The goal is building the habit and heart attitude, not the specific amount.

Discussion Starters

• What’s the difference between money we need and money we want?
• How do you feel when you give some of your own money to help others?
• What would you like your giving to accomplish?
• How can we make sure we’re being wise with the money God has given our family?
• What’s harder—giving your time or giving your money? Why?

A Prayer for Faithful Stewardship

Dear God, thank You for providing for our family’s needs and for giving us opportunities to help others. Help our children learn to be faithful stewards of the money You’ve given them. Give them generous hearts and the wisdom to use their resources in ways that honor You. Help us as parents to model good stewardship and to guide our children with patience and love. May our family’s giving be a reflection of Your generous heart toward us. Amen.