13 Mar Charity
Why teaching a child about charity matters?
When you teach your child about charity, it’s vital to share that it’s a give-and-take thing. Explain to your child that we all go through challenging times in our lives and that we can learn from those experiences. We all need help at some point, some support and kindness. Other times we’re in the fortunate position to be that support when others need it.
Your child can start to develop a giving heart from an early age. During the festive season, there are always places where you can donate food, or a gift, for a family or a child that is going through tough times.
When a child learns about charity, empathy and understanding from a young age. Additionally, they realise we are all different and that they may have challenging times ahead. This knowledge humbles all of us and eliminates any sense of entitlement and ‘better-than’ feeling. Children learn to be kind, generous and considerate of others.
Their thoughts and behaviour impact the playground when they begin socialising with others and seeing the differences around them. Knowledge is power, as they say, and the power is sometimes within the understanding that we’re all different and different doesn’t mean better or worse, just different. Share with your child how friendships are impacted by giving and taking and that friendship is a two-way thing. Everyone benefits. It helps your child to recognise behaviour that isn’t encouraging to be around.
When your child can name a behaviour – kindness, generosity, caring, understanding, helpfulness – they also recognise when that behaviour is missing and choose their friends accordingly.
Your child should have friends who are trustworthy and who he, or she, trusts. Someone who will have their back, and they have theirs. Teach them about loyalty and that supporting a friend in need, even though it may seem like charity sometimes, is also an act of friendship.
When your child learns to care for others, they develop a sense of purpose that can help them become more engaged and responsible citizens.
Some ways you can help your child learn about charity:
- Declutter their toy box and donate to a charity.
- You can help an elderly neighbour by collecting their mail or a newspaper from the lawn for them. Or by sharing a meal with them.
- Participate in a charity walk or fun run.
- Let them watch you donate blood (remember you’re the role model!).
- Encourage questions and discussion on how charity impacts the world.
As charity is about giving, I offer a free monthly masterclass for anyone interested. It is called ‘Raising Kids With Integrity’ – check out my FB link for the link to the next session.
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