Teaching Kids The Value Of Giving
This is a contributed post.
Kids often learn that sharing is important at a young age. But what about giving? Providing a child with a desire to give is a very different process, and one that’s taught at every age.
Age-appropriate teaching of the benefits and value of giving to others instills a sense of worth in a child while also helping that individual to continue living a lifestyle of giving back and supporting the community.
It’s up to parents and the community in general to teach children the intrinsic and social value of giving back. Here are some strategies to make that possible.
Ideas for Teaching Toddlers to Give
Toddlers certainly have the ability to learn to give, but they often need to see the value that it presents. For example, when a three-year-old child picks dandelions from the lawn and learns that giving them to a family member makes that person happy, the act instills a continued desire to find flowers to give. Consider these tips:
Teach children to give when they see another child playing alone. That might be giving them their toy or asking the child to play with them.
Set up a coin jar or small bank in your child’s room specifically for gifting. Instead of saving for a toy they want, teach them to save to buy a toy to donate to someone in need.
Young children can help parents go through the pantry to pull out ingredients for a simple meal, then donate it to a food bank.
Include your child in every aspect of the process. Ask simple questions, for instance, “I want to give something to our neighbor. What do you think we can include in a get-well basket?” Then work together to create a gift.
Teaching Gifting to Children 5 to 7
These slightly older children benefit from more education and support. Teach them why we need to give and what it does for others and for ourselves to do so. Start explaining not just that giving is good, but why it’s so important in the community. Here are some tips to encourage that:
Collect toys to gift to a nonprofit organization. If a child no longer uses a toy they’ve outgrown, teach them to clean it up and donate it.
Work with your child to put together a supply box for a local animal shelter. Talk about the importance of caring for the community animals.
Start exploring volunteer opportunities at local charities, nursing homes, or animal rescues.
Teaching Gifting to Children from 8 to 12
As your child gets older, they can participate more in the act of finding ways to gift instead of just being instructed.
Challenge your child to find a charity or a good deed to complete every month. Support them in that effort.
Encourage your child to set up and help you to offer a community food donation box at their school or even in front of your home.
Teach your child about parks and keeping them clean. Then, encourage them to get a few friends together to head to a local park for a weekend cleanup.
Teaching Teens to Gift
For those who are older, they’ve already developed a sense of the importance of gifting and supporting the community. Now, encourage them to use what they are most passionate about in a way that helps others.
Involve your teens in the dreaded garage cleanout. Leftover renovation materials, duplicate tools, and scooter donations to a local organization can help others trying to get on their feet.
An older teen can help a school, church, or community group to set up a toiletry donation center for other teens. That way, kids always have the hygiene products they need. Encourage your teen to seek donations from area businesses.
Encourage active volunteering in local nonprofits or community groups that help support your child’s interests. That could be for animals, nature, inclusive actions, or many other areas.
It’s always important to teach to give, and the best way to do that is to lead by example. Make sure that you’re playing the right role in this process.
By engaging in regular acts of service, philanthropy, and generosity, you can instill empathy, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility in children. That helps to foster emotional and mental well-being. Strengthen your family bond and find a way to give together.
Author bio: Goodwill Car Donations is a national organization that accepts vehicle donations. It is committed to providing disadvantaged individuals with job training, employment services and critical community-building support.
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