When playing a game of Monopoly with a child, it amused me that she would trade anything for the blue dollars. To her, blue was desirable and valuable. Numerical value meant nothing. Many children think similarly. Money is another object for them to accumulate. Its actual value and function is unknown to little ones. If they want more, it’s because they want “more” of anything then can get. For young children, the mindset is cute. However, as your child grows, a perspective of always wanting to accumulate and gain can be problematic. Get your kids started with a basic understanding of money’s place in the world and in the life of a Christian:
Lesson 1: Money Isn’t As Reliable As God
Gain makes people feel safe and successful- even little children. Make a point to teach your kids that money is just another form of gain that will disappoint. Remind them often how God is the only one we can rely on for everything.
You might try to:
- Talk about the different kinds of money existing throughout history and how money has failed previously.
- Share a Bible story about someone who lost their gains or security to highlight how God is the one who provides for and cares for that person –and your child too!
Lesson 2: Money Isn’t As Important As You Think
At a young age, many kids identify differences in lifestyles, clothing, activities, and other parts of life related to income and spending habits. As a result, it’s easy for kids to see money as really important. They can naively begin to correlate money with happiness.
Demonstrate to your kids how money just isn’t everything:
- When financial frustrations arise for your child (like not getting an expensive toy to be popular with friends) explain how friendship isn’t about having what’s cool.
- Point out opportunities to give and receive that money can’t buy, like hugs, time with loved ones, or praying for someone.
Lesson 3: Money Is a Responsibility
Stewardship is a concept that applies to everything from money to taking care of one’s own body. The concept is essential for raising children to value what God has given them and act responsibly in light of His provision.
Create a short term lesson for your kids:
- For one month, offer an allowance for completing “jobs” like taking out the trash. Let your kids use their allowance for wants, but also require them to pay for some needs. This makes the point that money isn’t just for desires, but also for taking care of necessities.
Lesson 4: Money Isn’t Something to Worry About
Some kids are natural worriers and savers. They like the security of having stuff- just in case they need it. As they grow older, money may become one of the things they cling to a little too tightly. Help you kids (especially worriers!) to understand that money is just another something God provides.
Teach your kids to:
- Pray with you when they are worried or when you face a need. Share with them when and how God answers your prayers.
- Read Bible stories about God’s provision.
Lesson 5: Money is Meant for Honoring God
A big part of stewardship and viewing money from a godly perspective is treating money as just another gift given for God’s glory. Just as you teach your kids humility and grace regarding their talents and natural abilities, teach them to treat money as something to honor God with, not be proud about.
Give your kids opportunities to learn about honoring God with their money:
- Select family giving projects your kids can participate in financially and otherwise.
- Encourage your kids to give away things they don’t need, including their small change.
- Teach lessons about investment in God-honoring things, like by steadily giving to a cause your kids can see the resulting fruit from.
The Best Lesson: Your Example
To truly teach your kids what they need to know about money, gain, and God’s way, you need to live by example. Your kids will pick up on your spending habits, worries, and perspective on things like finances. Consider your own example in everyday life as you seize opportunities to teach (and learn!) these financial lessons.
Article submitted by Bethany McIlrath:
Bethany McIlrath is a freelance writer who is grateful for the Gospel. She writes on a variety of topics, but her favorite subjects connect faith to real life. You can connect with Bethany on her website or on social media.