Kids learn charity by paying tithe

They're buying cows for hungry children in developing nations. Financing mission trips to build houses for poor families in the United States. Helping churches pay salaries, utilities and other expenses.

Many children around the country — with their parents' guidance — are learning early to donate 10 percent of their allowance to charitable causes. Parents and religious instructors of various denominations say that starting to tithe young instills a philanthropic spirit in children, as well as a practical lesson in budgeting.

It's just part of the efforts by many churches these days to help families manage money. Clergy are teaching or organizing classes for parishioners on balancing household budgets, overcoming credit-card debt or saving for children's education.

Church is a place where families "can be transparent about their challenges with money without being judged," says Cynthia Sumner, author of the book "Dollars & Sense," which aims to teach mothers money management skills. The book, published in 2005 by the faith-based Mothers of Preschoolers support group, says tithing creates financial discipline and improves self-esteem.

"It kind of makes me feel good," says 9-year-old Olivia Sturtevant of Worthington, Ohio. "I know I'm helping out my church."

Every Saturday, Olivia and her sisters, 11-year-old Emilee and 5-year-old Amelia, divide their allowance into three envelopes: one for saving, one for spending and one for tithing. On Sundays, they put the tithing envelopes into the collection plate at Worthington Presbyterian Church.

Their parents, Coreen and Kevin Sturtevant, talk openly with the girls about the family budget, the dangers of credit-card debt and the necessity of saving for unexpected expenses. They say they're trying to combat a culture in which many children have no concept of how much things cost.

"I'm preparing myself to get out in the world," says Emilee, who receives an allowance of $5.50 — half her age. "I'm budgeting my money instead of buying every little thing I want."

Biblical scriptures call for believers to give one-tenth of their income to support their faith. The practice is encouraged among Catholics, Protestants and Jewish congregations. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also admonishes its members to tithe.

Terrie Lynn Bittner, a Mormon Sunday school teacher in Feasterville, Pa., introduces the concept of tithing to 3-year-olds. At that age, children are naturally generous and not "overly attached to money," she says.