Vol.14 No.4

Q. We want to teach our children responsibility with money. When should we begin giving them an allowance?

A. Do you want your children to be financially well-adjusted, to manage money wisely, and stay out of debt? Then, don’t give them an allowance!

This may sound harsh, but our society is filled with adults on welfare rolls and in serious credit card debt. Why add to this problem by teaching children that they have a right to their parents’ money?

“But,” you might reason, “I don’t just give my child an allowance. He works for it.”

Wait a minute! Who pays you for doing laundry, cooking meals, maintaining the family car, or making your bed? Parents don’t expect remuneration for doing these essential tasks. Why then, should we pay our children to keep their rooms tidy or take out the garbage? Children need to understand that as valuable members of the family unit, their help is needed and expected.

“But,” you still insist, “don’t children need to learn to handle money?”

Definitely! However, the money they manage should be their own hard-earned funds, not a handout for performing a duty.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6. Christians are to teach their children by precept and example how to handle money according to Bible principles.

Self-denial.  Children should be taught self-denial—to practice simple habits in living and to avoid expensive clothes, food, and furnishings.

Earning their way.  If money is freely given to children without them earning it, the money will not be valued. Youth who work to attend college appreciate their education more than those who simply have their way paid. Children should not be carried financially by parents so long that they become weaklings.

Children can be taught to earn their own money. They can have their own vegetable garden and sell the produce. Or you could offer to pay for extra jobs around the house—tasks you would normally pay an outsider to perform, like painting, washing windows, or even baking bread.

Support conscientious efforts. Don’t be afraid to insist that children work to the best of their ability, and be willing to pay more for their conscientious effort. As these young workers become more proficient, encourage little business ventures, offering their services to friends and neighbors.

Saving, Sacrificing.  Many children waste their money. Encourage them to save some money for church missions. Get a little “sacrifice box” and put it where the children can see it. Then, teach them not to buy candy, junk food, or unnecessary trinkets, but to put that money in the box.

Tithes and Offerings. Teach children to give tithes and offerings and give to the Lord first, before they purchase anything else. “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9, 10.

Live to Give. The best training parents can give their children is in the area of useful labor and a life of unselfish benevolence. Children should be shown that the true value of money comes from using it to relieve their needs and the necessities of others, and carrying forward the work of God.

The above principles not only graphically teach our children the value of a dollar, but also build their self-respect as valuable, contributing members of their own families and the family of God.

Pull Quotes:

Children should be shown that the true value of money comes from using it to relieve their needs and the necessities of others, and carrying forward the work of God.