4 Ways to Teach Children the Importance of Giving Back
Giving back to one’s community isn’t reserved for adults. Children have the potential to make a lasting, positive impact as well. Engaging children in participating and contributing to the health of their communities teaches kindness and compassion that carries through into adulthood.
It can be hard for children to see the bigger picture and end result when they give back, so it’s important to start small by helping out in your community. Here are a few ways to introduce the idea to your kids:
- Donate unused items to your local school or shelter. If your child isn’t ready to give up an item, don’t force them. This associates giving back with loss instead of generosity.
- Give non-perishable grocery items to a nearby food shelter. Letting your kids choose while grocery shopping will make them excited and eager to donate.
- Have your child contribute a percentage of their allowance to an organization of their choice. What are they interested in? What are they passionate about? Start there.
- Ask your kids how they want to give back. Maybe they want to help build playgrounds at a school, visit a nursing home, help save an endangered species—they may surprise you!
As soon as children start to give back, they see the value of helping others and bettering their community. Their streets will be cleaner, public places will be safer, and their neighbors will be happier. They start to feel good about themselves, too! This is what leads to unselfish giving—and a thoughtful, empathetic adult.
As part of our new KidsPlus children’s program, we’re encouraging kids to give back to organizations that are working hard to better our community. Read more about KidsPlus.