10 Tips to Teach Your Child The Art of Giving

Is there an “art of giving”? I believe there is. Much like how a painter creates unique masterpieces and writers craft heartfelt words, gifting is an opportunity to express care for those around us- it’s one way we show our hearts.

The art of giving is an expression of our ability to care for something beyond ourselves. As a parent, we want to give our children the best life possible to have healthy, happy lives. But far too many children grow up without even learning the importance of giving. This often means teaching them how to take rather than give. 

How important is the Art of giving?

Teaching your child how to give to others can increase their self-esteem and help them look out for others that are less fortunate. It also teaches them that the world doesn’t revolve around them, something all children can learn.

Teaching kids to give also encourages saying no to selfishness and prepares them to be more inclusive towards others.

Try these strategies that may prove useful: 

1. Lead by example. 

Guide your children into becoming little philanthropists. Show them how to make a positive impact by leading by example. 

Ask them before you give – this will not only teach responsibility but also emphasize that giving is an incredible privilege rather than something they can take for granted. 

To set the lesson in stone, turn it into practice; start donating on a regular basis and show those young ones what genuine generosity looks like.

2. Encourage generosity by showing them that their help benefits others. 

In other words, make it about them. Give kids the incredible opportunity to become heroes.

Show them that by lending a hand, they can bring joy and positive change into the lives of others. Through experiencing how their efforts benefit someone else, children will understand why it’s important to help out where needed.

It’s natural even for adults. People feel fulfilled when they can tell that their help made a difference for someone else.

3. Teach your children to give of their time and energy

Teach your child the value of generosity with their time and energy. It is a gift far more profound than any material item or escapade. 

By giving up moments from our lives to help another, we can bring meaning and reward that goes beyond what money could purchase. 

Instilling this in your child will aid them on their journey as they develop into selfless members of society who appreciate life’s greatest treasures: compassion and support for others.

4. Give them lessons on sharing. 

Nurture your child to be kind and generous by introducing them to the concept of sharing. Show them how special it is to understand that when we give, we receive.

By teaching kids what it means to give up something they have so someone else might benefit, you can help them develop a feeling of respect for both themselves and other people.

This invaluable lesson can help foster respect within our relationships with others.

5. Share how you feel when you give. 

Giving is more than just a present, it’s an experience.

Share with your child the joy and happiness that you experience when you give. For example, tell your child how you feel when you donate, volunteer in a charity event, or spend time helping out your family.

Explain why it matters to you by sharing about how helping someone else can make a difference in their life as well as yours. When they know the feelings that you experience, (and they are good feelings) they’ll begin to understand why it’s essential to give.

They will soon realize what an incredible gift giving actually is, making them passionate givers too.

6. Consider donor-advised funds. 

A donor-advised fund is an account at a bank that allows people to accumulate donations and recommend the recipients for contributions.

You can get a tax deduction when you make contributions to the account. Setting up a donor-advised fund doesn’t just teach your children to give. They also learn investing skills because you can invest the tax deductions from your contributions.

7. Look for opportunities to give. 

When you make a habit, it’s easier to spot opportunities.

Look for volunteer opportunities, such as feeding the homeless or serving at a local animal shelter. If you see something in the news that inspires you to give, offer your family a chance to help. All these things teach your kids about giving.

8. Start small. 

You’ll want to start by giving regularly. You can start by contributing $5 a week or whatever you can afford. Once you get in the habit of giving, you may find yourself wanting to give more. The same thing will happen as your kids follow your example and gain more confidence in giving.

9. Be clear. 

Explain to your kids that you expect them to be generous. Tell them how the organization will use their gift. Include your kids in this decision.

10. Teach your children positive values. 

Teach your kids the importance of treating others the way they want others to treat them. Positive values will allow other values like giving to blossom. 

It’s never too early to sow the seeds of good values in your children. Teaching them how to treat others with kindness will serve as a powerful foundation for their future relationships and even help shape who they become as adults. Besides, instilling these principles can be plenty rewarding—your kids will learn valuable qualities like compassion while feeling great satisfaction from giving back.

Offer proper guidance on helping those around you, so that together, you and your child can make an impactful difference in the world.

Did you find this helpful? Check out our other parenting blog posts at the Confident Voice Studio blog.