At the beginning of each month, we give Grant, age 12, and Amber, age 10, their allowance in small bills. Then we have them insert money into envelopes for each budget category, including tithe, savings, toys, etc., plus one envelope labeled “cards for family events.” The amount in that envelope is determined by how many family birthdays are in the month.
We list the birthdays on the outside of that month’s envelope and give them $2 per birthday. It is their responsibility to either choose a card at the store or make a heartfelt one at home. If they choose the latter option, they get to put the card money into a different envelope of their choice, and we get the priceless opportunity to praise their thoughtfulness and reinforce the importance of doing special things for others.
To make the card pictured above from Focus on the Family Clubhouse magazine, click here.
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2010 issue of Thriving Family
magazine. Copyright © 2010 by Katrina Arbuckle. Used by permission. ThrivingFamily.com.