How I Taught My Kids The Importance Of Charity
Being a parent who tries to earn as much as possible for your children is not an easy task nowadays, especially when you try to balance teaching them right from wrong at the same time. This constant thrive for more and more possessions is often in contrary with values you try to instill in your children. Being at such a tender age they may not understand the difference between trying to provide for your family and being greedy.
I find it to be my job as a parent to teach them the difference between those two and help them realize that material possessions should not be the center of their aspiration in life. One of my ways to show them what I deem to be important human values is to share with them the joy of charity. The important thing to remember when you do this is that you cannot burden a child with all the difficulties of reality. I don't lecture them about troubles of the world, but rather I try to show them that there is great joy in giving to less fortunate people.
Giving out old clothes and toys
Everyone has piled clothes in their closets that they don't wear for some reason. Seeing how my youngsters grow out of their clothes seasonally, they have loads of things they can't wear anymore.
So, whenever I go to my local charity, I try to take my children with me. The first time they went and saw how much joy to other people a small gesture likedonating our old clothes can bring, they were immediately inspired to contribute on their own. So next time, you can pick with them some of their own old clothing items and bring them together to a homeless shelter or a similar institution.
The experience will surely have great impact on them. Remember to let them do things in their own pace. Don't force them to give an item that they are extremely attached to. The second time I went with my kids, they only brought a toy each. But this was enough for them to experience the joy of sharing with other people.
Don't be pushy. When they see how wonderful the deed itself is, they will be happy to give and share selflessly. Children can be selfish, especially if a child is an only child, but they are very sensitive and emotional in their nature, so such an activity will come naturally to them.
Helping out with the chores
Helping others doesn't have to mean you have to give up on your possessions. Helping elderly people in your neighborhood can be equally rewarding. I have an old man living next door and I bring him groceries from the store and take him to the doctor whenever he has an appointment. At one point I brought my two kids with us to show them how a small gesture can make a difference in a person's life.
You can inspire them to help around the neighborhood themselves. A simple chore like picking up the leaves can mean a lot to those who are unable to do it by themselves. Make sure your child understands the difference this can bring to someone's life. You know what happens if you make them do something. It creates a negative feeling toward whatever you make them do. Be patient and let them figure it out by themselves.
Organize charity events
You can participate in charity lotteries in your own community. This can be a fun activity for the whole family and also help your children grow a fondness for contributing in such a way.
I like participating in reputable charity lotteries in my contry. These lotteries usually have big prizes, like a house or a car, and present an alternative to donating money. What is really important is that everyone will benefit from such an event. Our family will have fun while the draw lasts and someone will certainly win something nice. Most importantly, someone out there will get a hot meal and a warm bed, or important research may be funded with the proceeds from the lottery that go to a good cause. I find this a good way for my kids to realize that doing something good for other people does not have to be all about sacrifice, it can make one feel good too.
By teaching your kids generosity, you are not just helping someone out there. You are helping your children become better people as well. This way you know that you have given your best in making this world a better place. To teach them that every little deed counts is one of the hardest, but certainly most gratifying things a parent can do, at least that is the way I feel.