Christian Values in Economics: Stewardship & Household Chores

©Millie McNabb

I was talking with some moms about household chores, allowances and teaching children about economy. When our children were young, we kept household chores separate from allowances. We paid a small allowance, created other opportunities for them to earn money, and encouraged entrepreneurship.

One of the key Christian values to teach our children is that everything belongs to God and we are stewards of all that He has given us. “And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?’” (Luke 12:42)

What’s the first thing your child has stewardship over? Himself. I used 3x5 cards and drew pictures on them for each thing the child need to complete to get himself ready for the day (or for bed.) They included such things as brushing teeth, combing hair, using the bathroom, getting dressed. As they got older (by age 2) they also participated in maintaining the family household.

Household chores give a mini-picture of God’s economy. Everything in the child’s world belongs to the parents, and the parents are providing things for the child’s use. We intentionally taught the girls to be good stewards of what they had been given. I remember them coming home absolutely shocked that other kids at youth group were writing on their clothes with markers.

As stewards, we maintain the work according to God’s standard, not our own. Part of intentional parenting is to work with your children as you teach them. Doing meaningful work together grows deep relationships. When your child understands the task, purposefully hand it over to the child to do themselves, inspect the work when it’s done, and compliment the child. If appropriate, have an older child teach a younger one.

My Thursday blogs for the next few weeks will be focused on teaching your children Christian Values in economy. I’d love to have you share your stories about teaching your child stewardship.

God bless….

Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.