As a parent, we all want our children to have healthy, happy lives. But far too many children grow up without ever learning the importance of giving. That teaches them not to give to others, and the more dominant they are in their fledgling years, the more unlikely they are to change their behavior.
However, teaching your child how to give to others can increase their self-esteem and help them look out for others that are less fortunate. It also teaches them that the world doesn’t revolve around them, something all children can learn.
Teaching kids to give also encourages saying no to selfishness and prepares them to be more inclusive towards others.
So what can you do to teach your children to give? Try these strategies:
- Let your children follow your lead. Children learn by watching. If you give without a second thought, your children will learn to do the same.
– So, before you provide any donation, ask your child first. That will help your child learn that giving to others comes with responsibility and that giving to others is a privilege, not a right.
– And don’t just practice giving once and call it a day. Keep giving regularly. - Compel them by showing them that their help benefits others. In other words, make it about them.
– And studies report that children tend to help others when they can see the world through the eyes of those they help.
– It’s natural even for adults. People feel fulfilled when they can tell that their help made a difference for someone else. - Teach your children to give of their time and energy. Time and energy are the rarest and most priceless commodities in everyone’s life.
– However, some people think getting a hefty paycheck or exciting adventures are more valuable than giving their time and energy to help someone else. Is that the value that you wish your child to learn?
– Teaching your child to give of their time and energy can help them learn the value of helping others. - Give them lessons on sharing. You can teach your kid to be generous by showing them why it’s important to share.
– As you prepare them, they’ll come to realize that sharing involves taking what you have and giving parts of it to someone else. They’ll learn that when you respect others, the people around you will also respect you. - Share how you feel when you give. When you donate, volunteer in a charity event, or spend time helping out your family, tell your child how you feel.
– Let them know why you made that decision and why it’s important to you. When they know the feelings that you experience — and they are good feelings — they’ll begin to understand why it’s essential to give. - Consider donor-advised funds. A donor-advised fund is an account at a bank that allows people to accumulate donations and recommend the recipients for contributions.
– You can get a tax deduction when you make contributions to the account. Setting up a donor-advised fund doesn’t just teach your children to give. They also learn investing skills because you can invest the tax deductions from your contributions. - Look for opportunities to give. When you make giving a habit, it’s easier to spot giving opportunities.
– Look for volunteer opportunities, such as feeding the homeless or serving at a local animal shelter. If you see something in the news that inspires you to give, offer your family a chance to help. All these things teach your kids about giving. - Start small. You’ll want to start by giving regularly. You can start by contributing $5 a week or whatever you can afford. Once you get in the habit of giving, you may find yourself wanting to give more. The same thing will happen as your kids follow your example and gain more confidence in giving.
- Be clear. Explain to your kids that you expect them to be generous. Tell them how the organization will use their gift. Include your kids in this decision.
- Teach your children positive values. Teach your kids the importance of treating others the way they want others to treat them. Positive values will allow other values like giving to blossom.
Teaching kids to give is a good thing for both the parents and the children. It’s a way for parents to learn about teaching their kids, and also, it’s something that will get your kids to help others.
Give your child proper guidance on what they can do to make a difference in the world, and you’ll find that they will become a happier person because of it.