The power of your influence on your child’s life during their upbringing cannot be overstated. Your children watch, and when what they see matches what they hear, that is a powerful influence; when what they see is not what they hear, that
Some families do not talk about money, yet it is amazing how a young person can sense when there is tension in the room. Though you may not argue in their presence, they have a keen sense that an argument has already transpired, but they can also sense when there
I encourage you to have age-appropriate conversations with your children, talking to them about your work and why you work. Tell them about the principles behind your work-doing the best that you can, having favor in the eyes of your employer and God, doing all things as unto the Lord and being blessed and rewarded for that. Teach them why an income is to be earned, about the bills to be paid, and about the differences between want and need. Being more transparent in a matter that is appropriate for their age will have a great impact on their lives, helping them to develop healthy, God-honoring views of money that they will carry into adulthood.
When it is payday, if you were to pause either at dinner or another time when you have the family together, and verbally give God thanks for the provision, income, job, and abilities He provided, then either announce or talk about how you are going to honor the Lord by tithes and offerings (perhaps read Proverbs 3:9-10 together, “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.”) That is a teaching moment!
It is demonstrating before their eyes your
In your own Bible reading, mark the passages that deal with money, riches, and possessions. You may be surprised by just how
Reading to your children may inspire in them a desire to read themselves. Give them good books to read or read to them. Trustworthy resources, at the time of this writing, include books by the late Larry Burkett, by Randy Alcorn and Eternal Perspective Ministries, Crown Financial, Striving Together Publications, and Faith and Finances ministry.
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