Providing for children entails more than just ensuring that they have clothing on their backs, houses over their heads, and food in their bellies; it also necessitates that families express gratitude for their gifts, both monetary and nonmonetary, and a desire to share those gifts with others. Here are some tried-and-true suggestions for teaching your children about charity.
- Begin the gifting tradition as soon as your child learns to receive it.
It’s never too early to start teaching your children about giving and sharing, according to Gurbaksh Chahal. They’re teachings we all learn in kindergarten or as part of our religious or spiritual upbringing, yet they may become so ingrained that we forget their significance. We are all aware of our responsibility to share what we have with others who are less fortunate, but in the rush and bustle of daily life, we frequently forget to put our beliefs into action.
Encourage slightly older children to donate a percentage of their allowances and monetary gifts to charity at the end of the year. Assist him or them in choosing a charity to which the cash will get donated.
- Making a charity a family affair is a great way to start.
Regardless of your family’s charitable history, begin including your children as soon as you believe they are ready and to the degree that they are capable and willing to participate. Make your children aware of the procedures to your family’s philanthropy, whether it’s attending yearly board meetings, reviewing and deciding on grant proposals, or a variety of other activities. Your response to your philanthropic responsibilities will influence how your child views the future.
- Support community-based nonprofit education projects.
Many schools require students to complete a civic service requirement to graduate. Thus a growing number of kids are becoming acquainted with organized donating and volunteering. If your child’s school does not already have a volunteer program, suggest one to the school board as a means to supplement its students’ education. According to Gurbaksh Chahal, your foundation or donor-advised fund could even be able to help with the program’s start-up costs.
- Find a charitable hero or mentor.
If your children are hesitant to participate in charitable activities, even those that fascinate them, look for an adult in your neighborhood who gets dedicated to helping others. Perhaps a well-liked or respected teacher or soccer coach, a preacher, pastor, rabbi, or even an older cousin or another family member with whom your youngster would enjoy spending time.
Spending time with another civic-minded adult will offer your child a feeling of independence and uniqueness, as well as expose him to charitable options that aren’t part of the family’s common interest. Not only will this extend your kid’s perspectives, but it may also provide fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm to your family’s charity if your youngster joins your board or advisory board.
