How to teach kids about giving money.
As parents, we want raise our children to be caring and compassionate individuals who make a positive impact in the world. One way we can teach our children to do this is by teaching them the concept of giving. Giving can be demonstrated in different ways – by giving of our time, our talents or our resources. It is about using our resources to help others, and it's an essential skill that children can learn at a young age. It can also help develop a sense of responsibility. When kids give, they learn that they have a responsibility to help others. This can help them develop a sense of responsibility, which is an important quality for a successful adult.
Tips on how to teach kids about GIVING
Explain what giving means. Giving is about using our resources to help others. Emphasize that giving is an act of kindness and compassion towards others.
Teach about different types of giving. This includes giving time, talents (ie. services), and treasures (ie. money). Help children understand the different ways they can give back, whether it's by helping a neighbor with yard work, playing music for a senior center, or donating to a charity.
Teach the importance of sharing. Sharing is a key part of giving. When kids learn to share, they learn to cooperate and work together. This can help them develop important social skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Encourage generosity. Show them how to share their resources with others. When kids learn to give at a young age, they are more likely to continue giving as they grow older. For example, if they have extra toys or clothes, they could donate them to a local charity. Encourage children to think about how they can use their resources to help others.
Encourage empathy and compassion. When kids learn to give, they learn to think about others and their needs. This can help them develop empathy and compassion.
Lead by example. Show them how you give money by setting a good example yourself. Talk to them about the importance of giving and how it has helped you make a positive impact in the world.
Teaching children about giving is an essential life skill that will help them become caring and compassionate individuals. Our hope is to help instill a sense of kindness and compassion in our children. With these skills, our children will be on their way to making a positive impact in the communities.
ACTIONABLE ITEMS
Tips for talking to your kids about GIVING
Teach different forms of giving
ACTION: Give examples of giving time, talent and treasures. This could include volunteering your time, donating money to a charity, or simply being kind and helpful to others.
ACTION: Point out examples of giving in the world around you
ACTION: Encourage your child to think about ways that he/she can give back to their community. This could include things like picking up litter, helping out at a local animal shelter, or donating old toys to a thrift store.
Start small to show it doesn’t need to be a huge gesture. Even small acts of kindness can make a big impact.
ACTION: Start with donating spare change or volunteering an hour of time for a charity event.
ACTION: Demonstrate small acts of kindness, such as holding the door open for someone, giving up a seat on the bus, or helping someone who is carrying something heavy.
Lead by example
ACTION: Point out the ways in which you give. Explain why you give to specific causes. Show small acts of kindness in every day circumstances.
ACTION: Donate old clothes while having your child do the same with his/her clothes or toys
Make it a family activity. This can create a sense of shared purpose
ACTION: Volunteer together or support a cause together.
ACTION: Involve the kids in the decision-making process. Allow him/her to help choose a charity that you all care about.
Encourage empathy and the desire to give back
ACTION: Help your child to imagine being in a less fortunate situation.
ACTION: Talk to him/her about the needs of others and how he/she can help.
ACTION: Read books to your child about giving and helping others. This could help him/her understand the importance of giving and the difference that it can make.
Celebrate giving
ACTION: Acknowledge and praise any efforts to give or donate
ACTION: Reinforce the importance and value of giving and being generous every chance you can
ACTION: Try a Giving Jar. Get a jar and fill it with pennies or other small coins. Every time your child does something kind or generous, let them add a coin to the jar. At the end of the week or month, you can donate the coins to a charity of your choice.
ACTION: Talk to your child about how his/her giving made a difference. This will help to understand the importance of his/her actions and the impact that it can have on others.
