How Do I Teach Kids About Tithing And Generosity?

Start With God’s Generosity, Not a Rule

A good way to teach kids about tithing and generosity is to begin with the “why.” Christians give because God has first given to us—life, family, creation, forgiveness, and daily care. Scripture says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17), and Jesus taught, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8).

For children, this matters. If giving is introduced only as “you must give 10%,” it can feel like a bill. If it is introduced as a joyful response to God’s love, it becomes formation of the heart. You might say, “We give because God is generous, and we want our money to help others and honor Him.”

Explain Tithing in a Kid-Friendly Way

“Tithe” means a tenth, or 10%. In the Old Testament, God’s people gave tithes to support worship, priests, and care for the community (Leviticus 27:30; Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Many Christian families still use 10% as a simple, helpful starting point.

Christians differ on whether the Old Testament tithe is a required rule for believers today. But Catholics and Protestants generally agree on the bigger biblical call: God’s people should give generously, faithfully, and with love. Paul writes, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7), and he encourages believers to give thoughtfully, not under compulsion.

For a child, you can explain it like this: “Some families use a tithe—10 out of every 100—as a guide for giving to God’s work. The most important thing is learning to be generous and cheerful.”

If your child receives $5 allowance, you might show them that 10% is 50 cents. If the math feels too abstract, start with something concrete: ten coins on a table, one coin set aside to give.

Use Simple Systems Kids Can See

Children learn best when generosity is visible and hands-on. Try a three-jar or three-envelope system:

• **Give**: money for church, missions, a food pantry, or someone in need
• **Save**: money for something wise later
• **Spend**: money they can enjoy responsibly

This helps kids see that money has a purpose beyond “I want it.” It also gives them small moments to practice trust and self-control.

You can also connect giving to real people. Instead of saying only, “We give to church,” explain in age-appropriate ways: “Our church helps teach kids about Jesus,” “This offering supports families who need food,” or “This gift helps missionaries share God’s love.” When children see the impact, generosity becomes more meaningful.

Let kids participate when possible. They can place an envelope in the offering basket, help pick a charity, choose canned goods for a food drive, or use birthday money to support a cause they care about. The goal is not a perfect percentage at age six; it is a growing heart.

Model Generosity Without Making It Performative

Kids notice what adults do. If they see parents give, share, welcome guests, help neighbors, and speak compassionately about people in need, they learn that generosity is part of everyday discipleship.

You do not need to reveal every financial detail. But you can narrate values: “Our family gives to church because we want to support God’s work,” or “We’re bringing dinner to this family because they’ve had a hard week.” Jesus warns against giving for show (Matthew 6:1-4), so the tone should be humble, not self-congratulatory.

Also be careful not to use guilt as a motivator. Avoid lines like, “If you don’t give, God will be disappointed in you.” Instead, ask heart-forming questions:

• “Who might need help this week?”
• “What has God given us that we can share?”
• “How did it feel to give?”
• “What do you think Jesus cares about in this situation?”

These questions help kids connect money, compassion, and faith.

Make Generosity Bigger Than Money

Tithing is about money, but generosity is bigger than a wallet. Children can learn to give time, attention, encouragement, toys, food, and hospitality. A preschooler can draw a card for someone who is sick. An elementary child can help pack lunches for a shelter. A teen can volunteer, babysit for a tired parent, or give from a first paycheck.

Jesus praised the poor widow who gave two small coins because her gift came from deep trust (Mark 12:41-44). That story helps kids understand that God is not impressed by large amounts as much as loving, faithful hearts.

As children grow, invite them into more mature conversations: budgeting, needs versus wants, caring for the poor, supporting the Church, and using money wisely. Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth,” and that begins with learning that everything we have belongs to God.

A simple family practice could be: whenever money comes in, pause and ask, “What part will we give, what part will we save, and what part will we spend?” Over time, this rhythm teaches kids that generosity is not an occasional event—it is a way of life with God.