Do not hinder the generosity of children

As our team meets with givers across the Rocky Mountains, we often hear the same question: How can I teach my children about money? Research shows that children of generous people are more generous. But it doesn’t often happen by accident.

My wife and I have worked hard to teach our children to recognize and meet the needs of others. One way we support them in that is by matching any donations they choose to make. Recently, my son wanted to make a sizable gift, and I found myself wanting to say, “That’s too much!”

Regrettably, well-meaning adults too often stifle the spirit of the eager children. The Gospels share accounts of how Jesus encouraged the unique faithfulness of children and chastised the disciples who tried to prevent them from coming to Him.

Children have incredible hearts of generosity wired into them, and, as adults, we need to be careful not to stifle that spirit. When they see someone in need, they aren’t thinking about the resources and opportunities that people have. Kids see a need and want to meet it. We ought to do our best to model that attitude too.

As you teach your children and grandchildren about generosity, I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you in your conversations and actions. I hope that some of the articles and podcasts below will offer some direction as you fan the flame of generosity that already exists in your kids.

1. “Cultivating a Lifestyle of Generosity in Children”opens in a new tab Matt Bell on The Generosity NOW Podcast

It was a joy to hear from author and speaker Matt Bellopens in a new tab earlier this month and to learn how God has used him to teach his children and other people’s kids a biblical approach to money.  Providing children with this foundation can deepen their relationships with Christ and benefit their future marriages. It frees them to make the difference with their lives they were designed to make.

2. “Kids and generosity”opens in a new tab Josh and Kaitlin Saenz on The Generosity NOW Podcast

Our team often discusses the value of whole L.I.F.E. (labor, influences, finances, expertise) stewardship, and our recent guests Josh and Kaitlin Saenz shared how they have cultivated this holistic lifestyle of generosity within their family.

3. “Raising generous kids: A junior JOG” by Eric Most

Last year, I had the opportunity to witness the generosity of our youngest generation through co-hosting what we called a “Junior JOG.”  Instead of a Journey of Generosityopens in a new tab experience of all adult couples or parents with grown children sitting around discussing how to best steward their money, kids joined in to listen to ways other children have been generous and to discuss how they can model generosity too.

4. “6 ways parents can encourage teens and kids toward generosity”opens in a new tab by Eric Most

Building spiritual capital in our kids and grandkids starts with consistently engaging them with the gospel and the never-ending source of our well. My kids are still young, but my wife, Jacqie, and I plan to use this mindset, plus a few things we’ve learned from those who have raised teenagers, while they’re in our home. This list offers practical ways that you can help them build a meaningful foundation while they are young.

5. “Research-backed ways to share generosity with your kids”opens in a new tab by Jill Foley Turner

When parents teach the next generation about generosity and discuss their giving decisions, children become generous. Read some of the best age-appropriate strategies, find encouragement on your generosity journey, and cultivate unity around family giving.

Connect with our NCF Rocky Mountains team at rockymountains@ncfgiving.comopens in a new tab to explore ways to make generosity part of your family’s everyday conversations and decisions.