Teaching Kids How to Be Generous

As a parent I make a conscious effort to teach my kids kindness, and I want to make the same effort to teach them generosity. I made the definition simple for them; generosity is the willingness to give freely to others.

When I first started getting the kids involved they would help me sort their outgrown clothes and toys into boxes, and then I would take the boxes to the shelter. In their world though, everyone is created equal and it was hard for them to understand the concept of someone being less fortunate than them. Now, once they have finished cleaning out their rooms we all get in the car and they take their own boxes into the local shelter. That made a big difference, now the kids understand where their things go and why they are needed by somebody else.

So, how do you teach your kids to give freely? Start with something they like.

There are simple ways to get involved at any age. For the kid who is a dog lover you can volunteer some time at a local rescue shelter. The shelters need people to walk, play with and even bathe the dogs. You can also donate some food, blankets or newspaper to the shelter. If your kid is drawn to the elderly help them bake their favorite cookies and pick their favorite book to take to a local assisted living home. The grandparents love the fresh cookies and reading a story with the kids. Some kids have a natural desire to take care of people, so help them bake and deliver a casserole for someone who use a little help. Some people to consider are a sick relative, a friend who has a newborn at home or perhaps a military wife whose spouse is deployed.

Planning donations of gently used items around your kid's birthday is a good way for them to continue to donate every year. Choose a local charity for your family to donate to. Such as, donating books and movies to the children's hospital, taking stuffed animals to a local EMS or dropping boxes of outgrown clothing off to a women's and children's shelter. On their birthday have the kids take any money they receive and split it in half. Half of the money is for them and the other half they can personally donate to a charity of their choice. Even the littlest contribution will make a big difference to your kids by raising their self-esteem, developing their social skills and encouraging them to appreciate their own lifestyle. Make sure to give them a lot of praise to make them feel appreciated for what they have done. When you are getting your family involved make it fun instead of making it feel like a chore, don't pick a charity for them let the kids pick something they are interested in, and make it a family affair. Also, there are some wonderful children's books at the about generosity and charitableness.

I have met some people who as adults are still involved with the charities that they got into as kids. That reminds me that what I teach my kids today will have a lasting impression on who they will become. I recently read a quote from an unknown author that I feel sums up my thoughts, "You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give."

I will be looking forward to our next journey together here on Kennesaw Patch. Until then, cheers to the life you have made!