Teach Children the Value of Giving Back

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Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Boys and Girls Clubs of America. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.

Sometimes I wonder if my children actually understand the value of giving back. We try to generate a philanthropic heart into each of them. When they were younger we would collect clothes and food for the homeless.

Value of Giving Back

Once a month we would take what we gathered Downtown and pass out clothes as homeless men and women crowded our van. My older two children would serve sandwiches, soups, and drinks from the front seat.

After getting clothes, shoes, bags, or blankets, the group we served would stop by the window for lunch and a drink. The kids enjoyed doing this as much as we enjoyed showing them how to give.

Giving Back

Just yesterday all 8 of us went to a local toy store and bought a shopping cart filled with toys. And not one of those toys were for my kids.

They will all be delivered to a local mission as a donation for their Christmas Store program. The kids had so much fun picking out toys for these kids.

Again, I was proud of their desire to give back to those in need knowing they had plenty at home.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America teaches kids to give back on a daily basis. For the 2nd year, they are even hosting the BGCA Give the Gift of a Great Future Holiday Campaign.

The Boys & Girls Clubs programs are dedicated to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.

Plus, they want all children to learn the value of giving back. Take a look at these tips to help teach our children.

Tips to Teach Value of Giving:

  1. Talk to your children about giving and let them know how you give. Let them choose the charity or program and keep them involved.
  2. Volunteer together at a soup kitchen or local food bank. Offer to drive them, hang out, and support their service to others.
  3. Do something fun or creative in the spirit of giving. Find a project they can pour into.
  4. Tell stories about past acts of philanthropy. For example, my 9 year old likes to hand draw postcards to mail to pediatric cancer patients. Makes my heart melt.
  5. Acknowledge every act of giving… no matter how small. It may be nothing to you but a big deal to your child when their intentions are pure.
  6. Make philanthropy a family value. Teach children in their early childhood how to give back to others and continue to show them this trend as they grow. The holidays may naturally bring a season of giving, but make sure to make it a year-round event in your home.
How are you teaching your children to give back?

Do you have a personal connection to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America?