What Age Should We Introduce Our Children to the Idea of Charity?
Parents should introduce their children to charitable giving when they are around three or four years old. Very young children often don't realize that other people have feelings, ideas, and emotions of their own. By the time they turn three, children begin to understand and respect the fact that each and every one of us has an inner life of our own. Knowing that other people have feelings, children can begin to develop and hone a sense of empathy; this capacity for empathy is the very basis for charity.
How Can We Set A Good Example As Parents?
Parents should create a family environment where giving is a natural and encouraged occurrence. It is good for children to see their parents donating charitably and, just as important, they should see how enjoyable it is for their parents to be able to give. Include your children in your own volunteer or charity activities. Let them see you dropping money into charity boxes, encourage them to help you pick out canned foods during a food drive, or let them tag along when you participate in a walk for breast cancer. Each time your child sees you giving to charity, it reinforces the good behavior and gives you an opportunity to explain why it is important to give and how rewarding charity can be.
What Are Different Ways To Give?
There are many ways a child can learn the value of giving and plenty of volunteer ideas for kids. Setting up a charity box in the home can show how even a little bit of money can make a difference when given with a good heart. Encourage them to donate old toys, school supplies, and clothing to other needy children. It is also a good idea to teach your little ones that donating time can be just as powerful and good as donating money and things. Take the whole family for an outing serving dinner at a local soup kitchen or make a habit of keeping a basket of fruit or snacks in the car to give to hungry people in need.
