FAMILY MATTERS:
Teach children to be good stewards
___How can I teach my children to be good stewards of their money?
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KAY TOWERS
Program Coordinator
LifeWay Fellowship, Killeen
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___When children learn to use money wisely, they can enjoy the blessings that come from having money.
___Understanding the value of money and how to use it wisely is a difficult concept for children. For example, young children see more as best. So, they don't understand that one quarter is more than five pennies.
___As they become older, they see parents write checks or use credit cards. They should be taught that a bill will come later and must be paid. They observe ATM machines giving out money and are inclined to believe it is easy to have money.
___Giving children an allowance is an excellent way to teach good stewardship. Talk with them about how they will spend their money. Budgeting can be taught by teaching them to give some to the church, to save some and to spend some on items they would like to have. If they want something that costs more than they have, explain they must save and wait for that which they desire. Tell them that as parents you have to save for big things you want.
___Help them learn when they spend the part allotted for buying they must then wait until they have more money. Spending it all and then getting more from mom or dad doesn't teach them discipline in the use of money. Learning to do without until one can pay for the item can be achieved at an early age.
___Realize that children will make some mistakes. Don't we all? When children learn to live with the consequences of their choices, it is a growing experience.
___Teach them by:
___ Taking them when you compare prices at the grocery store. This is a good time to learn about buying wisely.
___ Taking them to the bank. Allow them to see you deposit money and explain this is the money you are using when you write a check.
___ Sharing stories from the Bible. Tell them the Bible says that how we spend money shows what is important to us.
___ Discussing ads they see. Explain the ads are trying to get them to spend money. Talk about whether that would be good use of money.
___ Allowing them to take their money to Sunday School or put their own money in the offering plate.
___ Reminding them to thank God for their money when they pray and to ask him to help them use their money wisely.
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The Baptist Standard
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