top of page
Writer's pictureDr. Jeffrey Allen Love

Teaching Kids Generosity: 7 Tips for Success



As parents, we want our children to have happy and healthy lives. But many children need to learn how important it is to be generous. This is a trait that we all need to understand and follow. We see this as one of God's character traits: "For God so loved the world that He gave..." (John 3:16). If we don't teach our kids how to be generous, they will not learn how to give to others. And if they know this when they are young, it will be easier for them to change their behavior later.


This biblical truth can help shape our kids’ hearts so that they don't just think of themselves but also reach out and make a difference in other people's lives by giving generously of their time and resources. We must emphasize this truth because it can transform attitudes, actions, and even whole communities when our kids understand how much they can bless others through their gifts. Again, we can use the example of Jesus as an example of what generosity looks like - selfless love in action!


Another benefit to teaching your child to be more like Jesus in generosity and to give to others is that it makes them feel good about themselves and helps them be kind to people who have less than them. It also teaches them that the world doesn't revolve around them, something all children can learn. Teaching kids about the biblical truth of giving is very important and can be done in various ways.


So, what can you do to teach your children to live a life of generosity? Try these strategies:


1. Talk about Jesus and His teachings.


One way to help kids understand why they should give is to talk about Jesus and His teachings. Jesus gave His life for us, so teaching your child this powerful example will go a long way in establishing the importance and value of selfless giving. Additionally, having conversations with them regularly and emphasizing how God wants us to treat each other with kindness by being generous will help kids internalize these lessons.


2. Lead by example


Your children will learn from watching you. They will learn to do the same if you give without thinking about it. Talk about giving openly with your family. Talk about why it matters and what the Bible says about it and challenge everyone in the family to think of ways to give. Teaching your children to give is one way to show them how they can be like Jesus. This biblical truth must be taught to our kids for them to live it out fully. It’s about giving money and our time and resources; by being generous with all three of these things, we will set an example for our children to follow.


3. Have them, volunteer


Another way to teach kids the value of generosity is to have them volunteer their time or money to those in need. Having them actively participate in events such as food drives or other community efforts. Teaching kids to volunteer encourages saying no to selfishness. No parent wants to raise selfish kids. We want to raise children who share, give, and care. Teaching kids to give is teaching them to be like Jesus. He gave His all for us, and we should seek to do the same for others in need.


Teaching your children to give their time and energy to help others is an integral part of generosity. Unfortunately, some people think that getting paid a lot of money or having exciting adventures are more valuable than giving their time and energy to help someone else. But as we train our kids to follow Jesus, we want them to learn that there is so much more to life than this. That is, helping others is a valuable Christlike thing to do.


4. Share how you feel when you give.


Tell your child how you feel when you donate, volunteer in a charity event, or spend time helping out. Tell them why you made that decision and why it's essential. When they know the feelings you experience -- and they are good feelings -- they'll begin to understand why giving is necessary.


From a Christian standpoint, we must consider God as the ultimate giver. He gave us His only Son, Jesus, to die for our sins and restore our relationship with Him. As followers of Jesus, we must strive to be like Him and give our all in every situation. We should teach our kids this biblical truth so they can learn to be generous and show kindness to others. When people feel loved and accepted, their lives will change for the better. And when it becomes part of your child’s character, you can be sure you have done your job as a parent in raising them right according to God's standards.


5. Consider donor-advised funds.


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


In addition, donor-advised funds provide a way for kids to save and invest money while helping others. Remind them of the biblical truth. As followers of Jesus, we should be like Him – He gave His all so mankind could benefit from it. We must teach our children to live in this truth and to give generously with love and kindness. Showing your child how they can use their resources to help those around them will create an understanding of the gospel message and its power in giving. God values this character trait highly and one you’ll want to instill in your children. Encourage them by celebrating their efforts.


6. Be clear with your expectations.


Teach your kids that giving is an expression of our love for God. Discuss with them what constitutes a gift - money, time, or items. It can help to provide examples of how others have given in their own lives. It's also important to let them know that it doesn't have to be a large sum of money; even the smallest gifts can make a difference. As followers of Jesus, we are called to give generously from the resources He has entrusted us with. Lead your children in the way you should and let them see the joy of giving through your example. Set aside a certain percentage for tithes and offerings each month, then show them how you're using that money


When children learn the habit of giving, they gain valuable lessons that last a lifetime. Studies have shown that when people give, they naturally experience positive emotions such as joy and satisfaction. In addition, giving may lead to greater feelings of purpose and self-fulfillment because it allows us to develop meaningful relationships with those we help. It can also help children learn empathy, compassion, and understanding as they practice seeing from another person’s perspective and responding appropriately.


7. Start small and build from there.


Starting small and becoming regular givers is a great way to teach kids the biblical truth of generosity. The Bible teaches us that God gives us so much and wants us to give back in return. But, it also teaches us that giving should be done out of love, not an obligation or just for show. That’s why starting small and building from there is an important part of teaching kids how to give.


One of the best ways to start small with giving is through pocket money. This doesn’t have to be a large sum of money either; even a few coins will do. Start by showing your child how to use their pocket money to help others in need, like donating to a charity or sponsoring someone in need. Then, as they get older and their pocket money increases, you can encourage them to divide their coins into different categories – some for spending, some for saving, and some for giving away.


Once your child has started giving little bits here and there, you can begin encouraging them to become regular givers. Maybe set aside one day each month where your family focuses on giving back – whether it’s packing bags at a food bank, helping out at a charity shop, or simply writing kind letters to those who could use a boost in spirit. Being consistent with giving helps children learn that this is part of life; it’s integral to being compassionate human beings who care about others as much as ourselves.


Generosity can also act as a form of self-care for children because it allows them to use their resources to bring light into someone else’s life. It can encourage them to step outside their comfort zone and reach out in love without the expectation of reward or recognition. This act alone is deeply rewarding on its own merits, as well as having positive long-term effects on emotional intelligence and personal growth.


Important benefits for their lives


Teaching kids about giving provides them with valuable financial education lessons which will serve them well later in life. Kids learn skills such as budgeting, living within their means, and making wise decisions when donating money or volunteering time – all invaluable components of completing successful financial transactions in adulthood.


Teaching kids about giving and living a life of generosity offers numerous benefits both now and later in life. Not only do they receive the opportunity to practice generosity at an early age while learning valuable skills along the way, but they can also reap significant rewards from experiencing true joy from helping others without expectation or requirement for reciprocation.



Comentarios


bottom of page