10 Ways Every Parent Can Teach Older Kids To Be More Generous
Here's how to inculcate the value of sharing and compassion to your kid
Some of the biggest virtues you can inculcate into your child is to share and not be selfish, have compassion and help the less fortunate. But for kids who are used to receiving than giving, it can be difficult to teach them these values.
Here, we teach you how to help your child to appreciate the joy of gifting, generosity and gratitude all year round, and why giving instead of getting can be just as rewarding.
It may not have occurred to your kid that they can give as well as receive. Point out that their sibling would be delighted if they gave them a present, just as they would be thrilled to get a gift.
Everyone can give, not just adults.
They don’t have to buy something for you as a present – they could make a present instead, and you’d probably prefer that. Offer them craft ideas for making items such as a bookmark, for example.
They might be anxious about making their own gift, so it would help if you get involved. They need to do most of the work themselves, but you can help them cut out the cardboard for the bookmark.
There is no reason why Junior shouldn't give gifts to their family and friends at other times of the year as well. There are anniversaries, festivals and other opportunities for celebration.
The more frequently your child gives, the easier giving becomes for them.
Ask them to explain how they feel when they receive a present. Maybe they feel excited or happy because they know the gift means the other person cares for them.
Then tell them that everybody feels that way when they receive a present, not just them.
Help them understand what different charities do to help those who are less fortunate, namely collecting items and money from those who have more.
There are many ways that they can contribute, for instance, by giving some of their pocket money regularly or donating old toys, games, books and clothes.
Giving does not have to involve grand gestures. Small amounts can have an impact, too.
Whatever your young one decides to give to charity, they should deliver it himself, instead of expecting you to do this for them.
So they should put the coins into the charity box, or carry their unwanted items to the charity shop and hand them over themselves. That makes giving very real for them.
True, there are no physical rewards from giving to other people.
But point out to your child that they will get an emotional reward – they will feel good knowing they have helped someone or they'll beam with pleasure when they thank them for their kindness.
When they decide to give instead of receive, give them a big hug and tell them how proud you are of them for acting so kindly to others.
Your positive response reinforces their pro-social action, so they will be more likely to give again.
This story originally appeared in Young Parents