Charitable Children: How Can Parents Set the Example?

rnParents want their children to grow up to be kind and generous people. However, kindness and generosity are character traits that need to be modeled by parents to help children learn what they are. What are some ways in which mothers and fathers can help model charitable behavior to their sons and daughters? Donate Often If your local grocery store is asking for donations for a food pantry or some other worthy cause, you should agree to add $1 to your purchase. You may also choose to donate by buying books at a library fundraiser or cookies at a school bake sale. This shows your children that you can do a lot of good no matter how much or how little you choose to give. Donate Your Time and Expertise In many cases, you can help your community by giving a part of yourself instead of your money. For instance, you may spend a Saturday morning volunteering at a soup kitchen or tutoring children in math or any other subject that you are good at. This shows a child that he or she still has something worth giving to other people even if they don't have a lot of money to donate. If appropriate, it may be a good idea to bring your child with you to experience what it feels like to help others. Donate Excess Items to Charitable Causes Another way to model charitable behavior is to give old possessions to causes who can use them to advance their agenda. For instance, you may choose to give your old car to an auto college, like the Newgate School, to give students experience working on a live vehicle. It may also be worth your while to donate your car to other local charities that may then sell it to raise funds for needy residents. In many cases, donating your vehicle qualifies for a tax break assuming that the organization that you donate it to is labeled as a 501(c)(3). There are many ways in which you can model charitable behavior to your children. Whether you choose to donate time, property or money, the goal is to give whatever you can to improve the lives of those who need your help the most. Over time, your kids will learn the value of charity and how it helps to enrich their lives even as they give resources away.