Raising Kids Who Give Back

Philanthropy is often defined as an effort to improve society, based on love of humankind. While philanthropy usually includes money, it is most meaningful when it comes from the heart and includes the contribution of time and talents.

The following principles may help to guide your approach to philanthropy with your children:

  • Take a cue from your children. Listen to them and support their interests.
  • Talk reflectively and provide choices. Lecturing and forcing are ineffective. Serve as a resource to connect your children to opportunities.
  • Be sensitive to your children’s developmental needs. What may engage them at one age may be a turnoff when they get older.
  • Don’t worry! As long as you model your own philanthropic values, they will get the message. You may not see the results until later in life, when your children become parents themselves.

Here are some creative approaches and activities that other parents have found successful in practicing and promoting philanthropy with their children. As you and your children get involved, you will probably invent new rituals that have special family meaning.

  • The Three-Part Allowance: Divide your child’s allowance among 3 "jars," for spending, saving and giving.
  • Family Rituals around Giving: This can be as simple as donating a book to the library on each family member’s birthday or delivering a turkey to a homeless shelter on Thanksgiving.
  • Family Community Service Projects: Volunteering together as a family is an enjoyable way to share the philanthropic spirit. These projects may start in your neighborhood, by picking up trash at the local beach or building the new school playground.
  • Parent / Child Philanthropy Club: These groups build a community of parents and children, with everyone pooling their funds and giving the children a chance to learn about and practice charitable giving with their friends.
  • Schools, Religious and Community Groups: A growing number of schools have started encouraging or requiring community service, and parents can play a key role in shaping those programs.  
  • Volunteer Vacations: In recent years, a number of organizations have emerged to help families organize volunteer vacation trips. In addition, the YMCA Global Teens program offers international service-learning opportunities that your teens may pursue during their summer or school vacations.
  • Family Funds: Invite your children to participate in your charitable giving by creating an informal "family fund." Encourage your children to nominate their favorite charities or causes and then hold an annual family meeting to discuss their ideas. The Internet is a wonderful tool for the preliminary research, although nothing replaces the heartfelt experience of visiting organizations and seeing them in action.

 

Adapted from “Raising Children with Philanthropic Values,” by The Philanthropic Initiative, Inc.