How can I teach this to my kids?  Remember, it is not just what you say to your children; it is your example that shows what you really believe.  Humbly talk about the importance of giving in front of your children.  Let them hear your prayers about giving.  Demonstrate your love for God by giving some of His money to those less fortunate.  Follow the Biblical model for giving, and walk with them through the steps. 

In addition, consider their allowance as a way for them to experience giving.  Teach them that allowance is a gift from God (through you), but that the money is still God’s.  Help them pray about and decide what to do with it, and teach them the Biblical principles for giving.  What a gift to give our children!  We can help them learn God’s truth about money, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you," (Heb 13:5).  That is true contentment.

Parenting by Design (www.parentingbydesign.com) was created by Chris & Michelle Groff to help parents understand the Biblical model for parenting their children. It is a faith-based parenting series that compares current parenting paradigms to the ageless parenting principles in the Bible.

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