It’s never too early to educate your children on kindness and generosity. Keep reading to learn why you should teach your kids about charity.
Part of being a parent is educating your children about important issues. The concept of charity can sometimes be uncomfortable to explain, as kids don’t always understand the nuances behind hardships regarding money. Still, we all want to raise generous and thoughtful children who want to give back to those less fortunate.
There are many charitable organizations that answer the “how” when it comes to giving back. But, what about the “why?” Keep reading to learn more about why you should teach your kids about charity.
Encourages Compassion
Kids are some of the most compassionate people on the planet. After all, they probably aren’t aware of biases that can alter their perception of others. However, we sometimes lose this quality as adults who have seen the worst that life has to offer.
Parents can encourage compassion in their children by teaching them about giving back. You don’t have to get into the nitty-gritty of social issues to get your point across, either. Instead, explain to your kids that some people struggle more than others and that the right thing to do is help them out. Emphasize that needing aid doesn’t make someone less than; it just means they’ve fallen on hard times.
Fosters Gratitude
Another reason why you should teach your kids about charity is to foster a sense of gratitude within them. It’s easy for children to cling to material items, especially around the holidays. However, learning to be thankful for what they have is one of the most important lessons a child can understand.
Children can better learn gratitude through examples. This could be as simple as listing out the things they are thankful for, like a warm bed, good food, and a loving family. You can also take it one step further by getting them gifts that aren’t toys to make them appreciate the ones that they do have. Just like adults, when children feel thankful, they are more inclined to pass on that feeling to people in need.
Educates Them About Money
Money can be a bit of a touchy subject. However, it is never too early to teach your children about finances. An excellent way to do this is by introducing money in the context of charity. Excessive wealth can do a lot of harm if you don’t use it right, but it can have a positive impact when used correctly.
Instead of focusing on what money can do for them, show your kids what money can do for others. One hands-on way to accomplish this is with an allowance. Then, have your children set aside a small amount of the money they earn for a charity of their choosing. This gets them directly involved to see firsthand how their contributions can change someone’s life.
All parents want to see their children become successful and well-adjusted adults. However, it’s just as important to raise your kids to be kind, giving, and compassionate. By teaching your child about charity early, you instill positive values that will make them positive agents of change.
