Practicing a Lifestyle of Generosity: The Almirola Family

Generosity is best taught to the next generation through consistent, real-life examples. Aric and Janice Almirola not only model a lifestyle of generosity for their kids, they also provide opportunities for them to practice generosity firsthand.

The Almirolas described how they have already taught their kids about budgeting through their allowance: “You get $15 allowance…You’re going to put $5 in your spend… $5 in save…and $5 in give.”

The Almirolas have witnessed how God gifted their children with hearts of generosity. By encouraging them to take an active role in giving, Aric and Janice nurture and empower that spirit of generosity to grow.

Aric recounted one other story about his son’s joy in giving:

“[We] go to church and I take my wallet out when they’re passing the tithe and offerings bucket around. I give my wallet to my son and let him take out whatever he wants to take out… I have a few 100 bucks in my wallet. What’s he going to do? He took all of my money out of my wallet.”

While it might have been easier for his son to give away money that wasn’t truly his, Aric reflected that we are all in the same situation with our Heavenly Father. Everything we own is from God, so why do we hold on to it so tightly? He was inspired to see his son give everything available to him to a cause he loves—their church.

Cultivating a lifestyle of generosity in your family takes many small steps. As a starting point, check out these seven free, simple acts of generosity your family can practice together.

If you’re ready to take a bigger step, try building a family generosity plan to establish why, where, and how you give. Find a step-by-step template here.