Teaching Tithing To Kids

Helping Kids Learn to Tithe in Simple, Practical, and Meaningful Ways

At Kid Central, one of our goals is to help kids grow into thoughtful and cheerful givers. While adults often understand giving in terms of percentages, that idea can be tricky for younger children. Many kids don’t learn how to work with percentages until later in elementary school, so expecting them to give that way can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we encourage families to teach generosity in ways that are developmentally appropriate, hands-on, and easy for kids to understand.

Teaching generosity early helps children develop lifelong habits of gratitude, trust, and faith.

A Hands-On Tool

Money Jar Approach

Having three clearly labeled jars gives kids a visual way to see how money can be used with purpose:

  1. Money for God
  2. Money to Save
  3. Money to Spend

When your child receives allowance or earns money, help them decide how much goes into each jar. Start by putting 10% into the “Money for God” jar, with set amounts then going into the saving and spending jars. 

    In today’s digital world, kids may not often handle physical cash. If that’s the case in your home, you can still use jars by placing tokens, coins, or notes inside to represent money earned. This keeps giving visual, intentional, and easy for kids to grasp.

    On Sundays, kids can bring the money from their Money for God jar to church and take part in the offering. This helps connect what they’re learning at home with worship in community.

    Shape Their Understanding

    Simple Truths

    As you use the jar system, these simple truths can help shape your child’s understanding of generosity:

    God made everything, so everything belongs to Him. We give because we’re thankful for all God has given us.

    We put God first. That’s why giving comes before saving or spending.

    We give because we love God. Giving helps the church care for others and share God’s love with the world.

    Kids learn by watching you. One of the most powerful lessons comes from example. When children see you giving—whether in person or digitally—they learn what it looks like to trust God and be faithful. Talk with your child about why you give and how God provides for your family.