Whenever the weather changes, I have the urge to clean house – literally. I love to go through the closets, the kitchen and the kids toys to see how we can get rid of items to that we’re no longer using to make our existence a little lighter. In doing so, I always make it a point to donate the useable items.
Throughout life I’ve believed in giving to others – whether it’s just extra change in my purse or a bag full of clothing. I’m a big advocate of trying to always pay it forward. As my kids get older, I want to teach them the value in giving to others and how in being altruistic you can be a better person while helping to make someone else’s day a bit brighter. Here are six ways I’m going to teach my kids the value of giving:
Donate goods or money
I decided it was time to actively start exposing my children (who are 2 and 5) to the value of giving. As I mentioned each season I go through closets throughout the house and find items that are still in good condition to be donated. Donating is one of the easiest ways you can teach children to be altruistic in life and it is also one of the easiest, especially when you have children that are constantly growing out of things.
If you don’t have goods but have some extra funds, you can always donate money too. So that this is visible to your children, write a check and take it to the organization you want to donate it to. Make sure you bring your children along so they can see what or who their money will be helping. If you’re donating to an organization you can’t visit, show your children the organization’s website and explain why you believe they should receive the gift.
Or, if your children are a little older, let them research organizations they feel passionate about and decide which organization your family donates to.
Be a good example
Children often learn by observing and modeling their parents’ behavior. From a very young age you can see this taking place as they pick up all your habits – good or bad. If you want your children to be altruistic, be a good example for them and show them how you give throughout the year.
Discuss opportunities to give or lend a helping hand and make them a part of the experience, or if they’re too young to participate in something talk to them about it afterwards and why donating time, money or goods is a positive thing to do for all people.
I believe you will be impressed by their natural ability give and help others at a really young age.
Let them help decide
If you’re donating clothing, toys or other items, let your children help decide what goes and what stays, especially if it’s their stuff. This will help them to see that once they’ve outgrown something, others may still benefit from it.
That said, sometimes you need to coach them. Obviously if their clothing is too small it’s moving on to a new home, but when it comes to toys, bedding or even small furniture items in their room, let them pick what stays and what goes. Explain if they haven’t used it in a while that it might be time to give that item to another child who would use it more and love it just the same.
Volunteer
If your children are a little bit older and might not have as much clothing or toys to give, volunteer and let them pick an organization that the family donates its time or services to. For example, let them pick among helping in a soup kitchen, helping to build a house or picking up trash along the highway.
This way they feel like they have a voice in the decision and a say in how they’re spending their time. Not only that but it gives them a chance to try multiple activities and find one they’re really passionate about.
Get their hands in it
No matter how old a child is, let them somehow help when it comes to giving.
We had our children help us pack the bags of clothes to donate to Goodwill. Just this simple act involves them in giving right from the start. Even if they don’t necessarily get the purpose of their actions, you’re building a foundation for future giving.
For older kids this will let them see how they can make an impact firsthand and possibly inspire them to do more. In an article in Psychology Today, psychotherapist Sean Glover said he has seen children make sudden “leaps” in maturity due to learning to be altruistic. He states involving kids in volunteering and giving activities increases their personal happiness, fosters interconnectedness, strengthens personal identity and inspires a sense of mission.
Overall volunteering teaches even young children compassion, empathy, tolerance, gratitude and responsibility for their community.
Do it together
Giving together as a family is important for the family unit. It allows kids and parents to spend quality time together while doing something to help others. It’s a great way for families to actually get to know one another better, especially when your children are teenagers and might not be as forthcoming around you. It also cultivates empathy and helps even young children to recognize and appreciate their lives.
For young kids, teens and really up through adulthood, volunteering or donating together can be a family bonding experience. And, it can become a family tradition that will build positive memories for a lifetime.
Do it often
Consistency is often key with kids. Being able to be charitable doesn’t always have to be about giving something away or even donating your time. Being charitable can mean so many things.
Here are some ways families can make a difference together on a regular basis:
What are some ways you are working to teach your children the value of giving?
For more parenting tips, click here.
I’ve been teaching the grandkids the value of giving. I try to lead by example. I’m going to use all of your tips to help me in the future.
Donating toys or clothes that haven’t been played with in a while or clothes haven’t been worn in a while is good because the kids can see that someone in need can benefit from them.
Such a nice post, it is so important in this age that kids learn how to give. 😀
I love all these ideas. We recently did a lemonade stand for charity. We made a lot more money than if we did it for personal gain, taught the kids about economics and business while raising money for two friends in need of medical assistance. Such a great post- we need more people teaching their kids about selflessness and giving!
My daughter belongs to a homeschool group where they volunteer at nursing homes in our area. The kids get a lot of feel good out of it, and the seniors get a much needed interaction. It’s a great program, and I’m glad to be involved.
These are so lovely, and such great things to teach kids about!
Such a great lesson to learn! I love the idea of leading by example and showing kids how to be caring and compassionate through giving to others.
Teaching children humility and to be active in their communities is so important! Thanks for the helpful tips!
What a great message! I was lucky to have parents that fully believed in the value of giving and volunteering and taught us as much as young kids. Passing this along to all my mama friends!
Going to book mark this for when my boys are a little older. Def want to teach them good habits like this early on.
I usually include them in charities or the donations and things like that, it’s really important for me to teach them about giving and about having compassion towards others that need it. These are wonderful ideas!
Such great ideas! I am doing this with my kids at Christmas!
It’s so important to teach our children the power in giving. We usually donate our clothes and toys to a nearby drop off box and recently our church donated supplies to Hurricane Harvey survivors. I took the kids to the store with me to help me pick out items to donate.
I do the same thing! I have challenged myself to clean out a drawer a day. I’m so excited that I have been able to do this!
Usually right before the holidays, we have our kids go through their stuff and give stuff away. I’m always amazed at the generosity I see from them.
Bon Ton’s Goodwill Sale is one of my favorites all year. I love cleaning out my closet and donating to a good ccause!
My mom taught us from a young age that it was important to give back to others. I think it’s great to start young and get your kids involved in helping others at home and abroad.
This is such a great post! My son is still little but I try to set an example for him by letting him see me and his father helping others and letting him get as involved as he’s able.
This is a timely and relevant post for me and my family. My oldest is four and I want to make sure he understands and appreciates his blessing and gives back to those less fortunate. Great tips!
These are such awesome way to be sure kids know that there is value in giving. I try to instill this into my children because I don’t want them to be concerned with what they get but what they give as well.
I continue to work on teaching my girls about the value of giving. We go through toys and clothes to give to goodwill and I hope to start volunteering since they are now older!
I would love to work on these more with y kids. I have three boys and I want them to understand what it means to be a kind and loving person.
We have been trying so hard to teach our kids about giving and donating. Thankfully they are learning from example and starting to be able to let go and give to others.
Great articles post share. I try to lead by example. I’m going to use all of your tips to help me in the future. Thanks for sharing, enjoy weekend.
Love this article! I always tell and try to teach my kids to give and share. These ideas will be helpful.
How lovely it is to show our children the importance of giving – at this time of year especially. Great post! I will use your tips.
I think this is such a valuable lesson for children to learn. We are our best selves when we are giving to others!
These are all great ideas! Getting them involved hands on when they’re young is key!
What a great post! I think having them get involved is one awesome way to give back, and to show them that they are making a difference in someone’s life.
This is a lesson that we all need to pass on to our children so they understand why it;s so important to give back.
These sound like great ideas! Hopefully some good habits will form when you start doing things like volunteering together.
Giving is so important and teaching our kids to give to those who have less is vital to cultivating good morals. We are trying to figure out how best to help migrants seeking better lives here in America but stuck on the other side. Children have traveled hundreds of miles and it is just so sad to think they will not even have a soft bed this Christmas.
Christmas is the best time to teach kids the value of giving. My own kids are grown ups now and I am happy that they are always willing to donate their time and talent to those in need. This year, we will be volunteering our time in our village’s Christmas toy drive. We will collect old toys from around the village and donate them to our favorite orphanage. This coming New Year, my children will be going to the nursing home nearby and cook dinner for the residents.
These are all great lessons and wonderful service projects. We do a few of these already!
These are so amazing tips for parents! I think no matter what you do – show to your child how much you care 🙂
Ooooh, I love these ideas. Raising compassionate, empathic kids today is so important.
I love all of these ideas. They’re so wonderful. I think it’s great to teach kids about giving back. We give back as often as we can.
These are excellent ways. I try to teach my kids to give back and help others all the time.
What a fabulous collection of ideas for teaching your children how to give back to their communities and the less fortunate. I love this!
I love your ideas. We just shopped for a few kids from our neighborhood in a community program. It’s really a valuable lesson for kids!
These are all great ideas. We donate clothing, toys and books to those who can use them. I would like to get my family involved in volunteering as well.
I love this! We let the kids help with donations, too. They fill up one big box for donation every year before Christmas, and they get to decide what stays and what is going to go onto another child to love as much as they do. It’s amazing to see their generous hearts.
Ever since my kids were little we’ve always done our part in giving back to our community during the holidays. Even now that they’re older they still do that and it blesses my heart each time they do!
These are all great ways to get kids thinking about and doing good for others. We try to give back as much as possible, and you are right that we should make sure this is a year-round thing.
I believe it is always great to teach them young about the value of giving. These are such great ways. My son volunteered as bell ringer for Salvation Army before. So proud of him.
We have done a few of the suggestions noted on your list as a family. My son and daughter have also done a few of these for school as part of their community service. It is so important for parents to share the joy of giving with their children.
I absolutely love your post! So many great ideas that are so simple and easy to accomplish with children!
Sometimes teaching kids how hard it is to “get” or earn something is all they need to be more giving to those who can’t earn. It will also make them a good judge of character.
Love the ideas.. I always teach my kids to care about others and always giving back to our community.
The value of giving is one of the life lessons that is often neglected. It is so very important to teach our children and model in our lives. Thank you for sharing such great suggestions.
The value of giving is one of the life lessons that is often neglected. It is so very important to teach our children and model it in our lives. Thank you for sharing such great suggestions.
I have actually seen lives of the giver changed as much or more than those that receive. I hope we all remember to teach our children what really matters in life. You have listed some great opportunities.
These are great tips. I was recently around a child who didn’t like to share and I feel like these tips would help that parent teach them. Being a good example is key!
I totally agree here, if you can be a role model for the kids to teach them the gift of giving and sharing – it will do wonders to them later on in life! Unlock doors and friendships 🙂
I’ve been putting a lot of thought into this with my own kids. I love the suggestions you give here. Giving is such an important lesson. The earlier we teach it, the better.