3 Keys to Raising Generous Children

Today’s world is characterized by materialistic and self-absorbed living. Godly parents should be raising their children to have the exact opposite character.

Every day we see actions from others that focus on an attitude of get. Narcissism, hedonism, stealing, rude language, tempers, aggressive driving—these types of actions and approaches all display the self-centered attitude of get.

Some parents reinforce a “get attitude” in their children by indulging their every whim and not providing any type of discipline for bad behavior.

But parents who are determined to raise their children in a godly manner have the challenge of transcending this trend and parenting according to the core biblical principle we find in Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (emphasis added).

We have the responsibility of raising giving children in a getting world. How can we do this?

1. Don't overprovide for your children.

Parents, we can make the mistake of wanting to give our children everything. With the stresses and strains of a hectic life, some parents will buy their children whatever they want to keep them happy. This results in children who never become content because they will always want more.

What effect does this have on your children as they become adults? One result can be that they grow up with a covetous and materialistic personality.

The Bible warns about the problems of covetousness in 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Parents should instill an understanding of verses 7-8, which teach a proper view of material possessions.

Here are some tips to helping your children avoid covetousness:

• Instill giving in your children by helping them sort through family possessions and giving some to charity. In addition to donating items, teach your children the value of helping others in need.
• Teach your children the value of thrift by showing them how to shop for discounted goods.
• Help your children learn how to have fun without expensive toys or electronic devices. This can include spending time with them outdoors.

2. Don't overpraise your children.

In our society, there is a tendency to try to praise our children for everything, while neglecting to punish for misbehavior. Parents are told that children must never be made to feel bad about themselves. The problem with overpraising our children is that they can develop an inflated view of themselves (Galatians 6:3).

As parents, we need to give correction when it is needed and praise when it is appropriate. You won’t harm your children when you correct them. In fact, the Bible tells us to correct our children (Proverbs 23:13). For further helpful information on discipline, read “Disciplining Children: Seeing the End From the Beginning.”

Don’t praise your child merely for the sake of praise. True self-esteem and confidence come from raising your children with a balanced approach to life and themselves.

3. Don’t overprotect your children.

As parents, obviously we must protect our children. But there is a difference between protecting and being overprotective.

Overprotecting our children sets them up for problems in adulthood. They can grow up thinking they don’t have to take responsibility for their actions or that the world owes them.

Parents can fall into the trap of protecting their child from every little upset, like confronting a teacher for not picking their child to perform a duty in class or paying for that speeding fine their son received. If you are always giving your children money so they can go out with their friends, how will they learn to budget and plan for such events?

It is our job as parents to teach our children that they can cope with pain and disappointment in life. Challenges are a part of life, and our children need to learn to take responsibility for their own lives.

Children who learn to deal with their problems will build self-confidence and be able to cope with the disappointing times in their lives. If you overprotect your children, shielding them from anything that may upset them, they will not grow up with resilience in life.

Raising giving children in a getting world is a challenge—but it is a challenge that godly parents must work to meet!

Jodie Maczek is a member of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, in Australia. She enjoys painting in oil, beach combing and snorkeling.