When it comes to parenting, most of us strive to follow the wisdom of Proverbs 22:6: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
As parents, we want to raise children who love the Lord, serve others, and live with wisdom. In the financial world, one of the most practical ways we do that is by teaching our kids to become wise stewards of the resources entrusted to them.
Generosity doesn’t happen by accident. It is formed — slowly, intentionally, and consistently.
Build Good Habits
Just as we teach basic life habits — brushing teeth, saying “please” and “thank you,” cleaning up after ourselves — we must also teach basic financial habits.
When children receive money from birthdays, chores, or allowances, introduce three simple categories:
- Saving
- Giving
- Spending
Keep it basic at first—the goal is consistency.
One helpful approach is to prioritize saving and giving before spending. Naturally, spending on themselves will feel the most exciting. That’s why reinforcing the joy of saving and the impact of giving is so important. One idea to make giving more engaging is to find ways for your kids to see their generosity lived out in tangible ways.
Involve Your Children in the Process
Children are far more likely to value something they help create.
At Harvest Point®, our charity committee intentionally selects partners for client birthdays and events based on shared values and meaningful connections. That same intentionality can be practiced at home.
Consider:
- Researching local charities together
- Letting your child choose where a portion of their giving goes
- Visiting or learning about the organization as a family
Even small donations can have a powerful impact when a child sees and feels that they helped make a difference. Our oldest rang the bell while singing Christmas Carols for Salvation Army with his class. This fun and short act of service created a strong tie with him to the Salvation Army. He wanted to learn more about how they helped others, and every time he saw someone ringing the bell by the red kettle, he wanted to give money. Ownership builds connection, and connection builds generosity.
Create Structured Opportunities to Give
Generosity grows when it is both visible and participatory.
You might:
- Create a “giving jar” so your child can physically see it grow
- Match your child’s donation to amplify impact
- Set family giving goals together
But as we know, generosity is more than money.
Look for volunteer opportunities designed for the whole family. For children especially, time can feel more valuable than dollars. Serving together may feel like a sacrifice, but it often produces immediate gratitude as they see the real-world impact of their efforts.
When giving becomes hands-on, it becomes memorable.
Generosity Is Caught More Than It’s Taught
All of these ideas share one critical ingredient: intentional parents.
Creating a generous generation is not just about teaching children to give — it’s about showing them how to give.
Let your children:
- See the donations you make
- Hear your excitement about supporting causes
- Watch you serve with joy
- Witness everyday acts of generosity
If we want our children to prioritize saving and giving, to be cheerful givers, and to serve willingly, they must see it modeled consistently.
Preparing Heirs — Not Just Inheritors
One day, the wealth you’ve worked hard to build may be passed down, but inheritance is more than dollars and assets.
When wealth is transferred, values are transferred with it.
Just as financial accounts take years of discipline and intentionality to grow, so do the character traits you hope to pass on. Consider asking:
- What values do we want our family to be rooted in?
- How are we intentionally living those out?
- Have we clearly articulated them?
Some families create a mission statement. Others write down core values and display them in their home. However, you choose to do it; clarity today creates consistency today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
At Harvest Point®, we love helping families build a legacy of generosity—one that lasts far beyond their lifetime. Ready to explore how generosity fits into your financial plan? Schedule a conversation with one of our advisors and let’s see what God can do through a life lived with open hands.