How to Teach Kids Generosity Beyond Money

When you think about teaching your kids generosity, what comes to mind? The typical instinct is that you would encourage them to share their toys if they are young or donate money and give to others in need if they are old enough.

But, what happens when this idea of generosity gets put into a box?

For many Christian families, the desire to raise generous children is there. Whether messaging is coming from a pulpit, a devotional, scripture itself, or Christian culture, generosity is a hot topic! But between busy schedules, financial pressures, and the demands of everyday life, it can feel like there's not much left to give.

And, sadly, when the prevalent idea is that generosity is measured by what is available financially, then it may be the lesson (even unintentionally) taught to children as well.

But Scripture gives us a much bigger picture of what it means to live generously starting with a simple question.

In this article, we'll explore what Moses' story can teach us about generosity beyond money and walk through a simple family activity to help your children discover what God has already placed in their hands—and how they can use it to bless others.

Teaching Kids Generosity Starts With What's Already in Their Hands

In Exodus 4:2 NIV, God asks Moses a simple question:

"What is that in your hand?"

It's an interesting question, especially when you consider the circumstances surrounding Moses' life and the extraordinary things God would eventually accomplish through him.

But what does a shepherd's staff have to do with teaching your children generosity?

More than you might think.

In this short biblical teaching, we'll look at Moses' story and discover how to help your family recognize what God has already entrusted to you and begin using it to make a difference.

Watch the short teaching video below and then read further on how to make it practical.

WATCH: What's in Your Hand? How to Teach Kids Generosity Beyond Money 

A Simple Family Activity to Teach Generosity Beyond Money

Now that you've explored Moses' story through the video teaching, you may be inspired to uncover the different ways your family may be wealthy. Which is where the fun begins! Follow the steps below to put what you've learned into practice.

Gather your family around the table and spend 5–10 minutes working through these three simple steps together.

Teaching Kids Generosity Step 1. DISCOVER: What Has God Given Our Family?

Start by thinking beyond money.

Consider the five forms of wealth discussed in the video: spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, and financial. Look at the categories below and then answer the questions in the Ask Your Family section underneath.

5 Areas of Wealth:

As you work through the questions below, look over the 5 wealth areas and write down the ones that are standing out to you from the lists based on your answers. These are your “areas of wealth”.

Ask your family:

• What are some things we're good at or enjoy doing?
• What skills, experiences, relationships, or resources do we have that could help someone else?
• What's one gift or strength you recognize in another family member?

Family Tip: Encourage everyone to contribute! Even young children have something valuable to offer. And, don’t be afraid to encourage some creative thinking here! The point is to see all that you have been given from God as a gift worth sharing. Some ideas may be out of the box and that’s a good thing.

Teaching Kids Generosity Step 2. DISCUSS: Who Could Benefit From What We Have?

Now that you've identified some of your family's strengths and resources, take a moment as a family to think about the people around you.

Is there someone in your home, extended family, church, neighborhood, or community who could benefit from something you have?

Ask your family:

• Who do we know that could use some help or encouragement?
• Which of our gifts or resources that we identified in step 1 could we use to meet that need?
• What family value would we be putting into practice by doing this? (If you don’t have your core family values identified yet, try this free resource.)
• What do we each enjoy doing that can be used to bless someone else?

For example, if your family values hospitality and loves cooking, perhaps you could invite someone over for a meal or prepare dinner for a family going through a difficult season.

Family Tip: Consider making a list of all the answers you come up with and keep it somewhere accessible. Go back to it regularly and see if there is anyone from your list that God is highlighting to you that you can share something with.

Teaching Kids Generosity Step 3. DO: Put What's in Your Hands to Work!

Here's where generosity becomes more than a conversation. It’s time to use what’s in your hand.

Based on the list you created in Step 2, choose ONE way your family can use what you have to bless someone this week.

Complete this statement together:

"This week, our family will use _(specific area of wealth)_______ to bless _(person, group, etc.)______ by (thing you will do/give)___."
(Ex: this week, our family will use our gift of hospitality to bless (name of family or person) by inviting them over for dinner.)

Then decide when you'll do it! 

The goal isn't to create another long list of things your family should be doing. It's to begin recognizing opportunities to use what God has already given you.

Family Tip: Be intentional and realistic about what is possible in this season and then, in faith, do what you have decided on together. Set a date and then execute!

How to Make Generosity Part of Your Kids’ Everyday Life

Teaching kids generosity doesn't happen through one conversation or a single act of giving. It's something that must be modeled, practiced, and reinforced through the everyday choices that are made as a family.

And the more you intentionally use what God has placed in your hands, the more opportunities your children have to see generosity as a way of life. They can even start to think outside the box and find creative ways to give that may inspire others.

So, don't stop with this week's activity! Keep looking for simple ways to put your family's gifts, time, strengths, and resources to work, starting right inside your home.

Looking for more practical ways to strengthen your family?

Explore our Family Resource Center for biblical teaching, family activities, and practical tools to help you feel more connected, grow in family discipleship, and build homes that reflect Christ.