Teaching kids about charity is a valuable lesson for both you and the children. It is important that children learn at an early age to be considerate of others and to show compassion. When you educate children regarding charity, you teach them important life lessons.
Most kids can more readily relate to other children who are hurting. Involving kids in programs that help other kids may be the perfect way to instill a lifelong attitude of giving to charity. Giving back to the community in the form of food-and-clothing drives is a good way to start.
Even small children can participate in giving to charity. Ask a child to choose an item of clothing or a toy that he or she no longer uses, to donate to children that have few clothes and perhaps no toys at all. When you do your weekly grocery shopping, ask each of your children to pick out an item or two to donate to the local food pantry.
As children get a little older, they can begin giving a small percentage of allowance or savings to charity. Many children have learned to give so enthusiastically that they have created their own charities. Look for a charity started by children, and share the information with your children. If you also make giving a priority, then teaching by example, children will learn to give cheerfully.
If you can't give financially to a charity, you and your kids can still offer your time. You may even want to start a fundraiser, and donate the proceeds to a favorite local charity. There are many fundraising opportunities and your child's class might even want to participate.
If you decide to try fundraising, be sure to choose a product that children can handle and sell easily. Choose items with an even price such as $1.00 so children will be able to keep track of money, and always make sure children have adult supervision. Also, garner help from community resources to promote your fundraiser, such as utilizing free public service announcements offered by many TV and radio stations.
No matter how large or small the effort, instilling a sense of charity will teach children to care about others and to give something back to the community.