Teaching Kids About Philanthropy

pexels-photo-264109When it comes to giving to charity, oftentimes it’s the adults of the house who choose the organizations they donate to. And with the ease of online giving, charitable donations can be made quickly, or even scheduled if you’re a recurring giver, so that you don’t even need to think about it. However, it’s important to instill philanthropic tendencies into the next generation, which is why we encourage you to chat with your kids about how you give back and why.

Teaching your kids about philanthropy can be extremely rewarding and starts to demonstrate to them why it’s important to give back. Here are some ways to talk to your children about charitable giving:

  • Participate in philanthropy together: While it may be easier to just pick an organization and send in your monthly donation, you may want to take a step back and involve your kiddos in the process. Gather together as a family and discuss the causes that mean the most to you. Provide your children with a list of reputable charitable organizations and choose one together. Do you participate in volunteer activities? Get the family involved! Your kids will see compassion firsthand, and you can feel good that you’re imparting a strong charitable spirit.
  • Talk about giving back while your kids are young: According to the balance, parents should start talking to their children about charitable giving when they are around three or four years old. “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. 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.”
  • Set a good example: There are so many ways to demonstrate a charitable spirit to your kids. Give canned goods during food drives, participate in neighborhood volunteer activities, head over to a local children’s hospital or senior living facility, write letters to military members, help a neighbor who needs it, etc. Regularly doing acts of kindness, no matter how small, shows your kids that philanthropy comes in all shapes and sizes.

It’s important to encourage and inspire the next generation of philanthropists, and it starts when they’re young! What are some ways that you have involved your kids in your charitable giving efforts? We want to hear about it!