How do I teach my kids about money and biblical stewardship?

Apr 71 min read

My 10 and 12 year old are starting to understand money and asking for stuff constantly. I want to teach them that money is a blessing from God and we're supposed to be good stewards of it, not just spend it on whatever. We do chores for an allowance and I've talked to them about giving to church and helping others. But I feel like I'm not really connecting the dots for them about WHY we do this. Has anyone had success teaching kids biblical principles about finances? Would love to hear what's worked in your families.

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Comments(7)

NNate B.RegularApr 8

At 10 and 12 they can absolutely understand the difference between their wants and your family's actual needs. That's actually the perfect window for this conversation. Lay it all out.

KKevinNew DadApr 7

The constant asking for stuff is real at that age. We use it as a teaching moment about wants versus needs. They're learning though. Building good financial habits young pays off huge.

PPhil M.RegularApr 7

Having the biblical stewardship conversation with yours too. We framed it as being managers of what we have rather than owners. It clicks for them better than just saying no to everything.

RRob H.RegularApr 7

This is exactly where I'm at with my boys right now. I started giving them chores that actually earn money instead of just allowance, and it changed everything. They understand the connection between work and pay now. For the biblical part, we do a simple jar system - one for spending, one for saving, one for giving to church. Makes it visual for them.

CCarlosNew DadApr 8

This is a great age to start. My approach has been showing them that money is a tool for what matters, not the point itself. Allowance tied to chores, not just given, makes a difference. They get the cause and effect.

MMike R.RegularApr 8

We've been doing the envelope method with our kids' money. Cash in envelopes labeled for different purposes really drives home where money goes. Plus they can't spend what they can't see, which sounds dumb but it actually works. The stewardship conversation becomes way easier when they're physically handling their money.

CChris M.New DadApr 8

The constant asking for stuff is rough. My 10 year old is the same way. I made a rule that if she wants something that costs more than like 5 bucks, she has to save for it herself. Suddenly the impulse requests stopped and she's learning patience. Win-win.