Lately, my husband and I have been talking about what it looks like to teach our children to save their money (particularly during these hard economic times). We have started giving our 6 year old, Brooke, a weekly allowance and she is ready to spend it as soon as she gets it. Blair and I became concerned that maybe she does not have the correct view of money and began looking into ways to teach her to save, tithe and spend with discernment. We not only think it is important to teach our children how to save, but also how to tithe from what they earn. This biblical principle is one that Blair and I have learned to be obedient with and have always been amazed at how God gives back to us in so many way when we give him our first fruits. Teaching children at an early age how to tithe will prepare them to continue this as adults. I have gathered some simple things you can do to teach your child how to save and tithe…

1. Start talking to your child at an early age about how important it is to tithe and about Biblical obedience.

2. Point out different verses in the Bible that talk about the reasons to tithe.

3. Assist your child with putting in place a spending plan with the money they are given such as an allowance or cash gifts. Teach her to FIRST set aside 10 percent as a tithe, then a portion for savings, and finally a portion to spend now if she wants to or hold onto to spend later.

4. Talk about the idea of giving and tithing with a pleasant demeanor. Try not to fret when you are writing out your tithe check because your child will see that you are not giving willingly and with a glad heart, yet reluctantly.

5. Help your child come up with the amount of money she wants to tithe. If you are giving more or less than 10 percent of your income (since the Bible says to start with a tithe of 10 percent), explain why you are doing this.

6. (THIS IS MY FAVORITE AND WHAT WE DO IN OUR HOUSE) Have three seperate piggy banks (or similar container) that you seperate your child’s allowance or cash gifts into. This will help your child see where their money is going and is great for working on the math skills.

Share/Save