According to education professors Marvin Berkowitz and Melinda Bier at the University of Missouri at St. Louis, "the most profound impact on students' development (of character) comes from their families, notably their parents." Effective character development, including the teaching of generosity and giving, must come primarily from the home. Parents and caregivers have primary influence over a child's development, particularly in the formative infant, toddler and preschool years. While your children are young, it is the time to lay the foundation for generosity and giving.
Build a Foundation
Step 1
Develop a clear understanding of your child's mental development. Children of different ages and stages will understand and relate to generosity differently. A toddler is just learning that other people have feelings similar to his. A teen is generally ready to consider feelings in an abstract way. You will only be able to teach the importance of giving at the level your child is currently able to understand. The Curriculum Division of the League (Learning to Give) offers a breakdown of five ages and stages of children's development as it relates to generosity from birth through age 18 (see link in References).
Step 2
Share stories of giving. These should be a mixture of real life examples from newspapers and other media as well as children's stories where characters model generosity. Point out examples of giving when you encounter them in books and movies. There is an annotated bibliography of children's literature and movies at LearningToGive.org/resources/anno-bib.asp.
Step 3
Practice giving among family and close friends. For young children, these concrete experiences with peers and familiar adults will lay the groundwork for later acts of generosity toward others. Encourage not only sharing with playmates and siblings but also small sacrifices to help someone else be happier or more comfortable.
Provide a Clear Example
Step 1
Make your own acts of giving visible and obvious. Many groups encourage quiet acts of service that do not call attention to the donor, but children need to see their parents and significant adults giving service and money to others. Discuss what you do and why you do it with your children.
Step 2
Point out others who are volunteering or giving of themselves, such as Scout leaders, classroom volunteers, community service workers and so forth. Show your child buildings that house non-profit organizations, such as libraries, shelters and charities. Talk about the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit groups.
Step 3
Involve your child in age-appropriate acts of giving, such as donating outgrown clothing or unused toys to charity. Small amounts of money can be designated to charities of your child's choice. Time and energy can be given to help with projects, such as providing table decorations for a nursing home or cleaning a park or public area.
Things You'll Need
- Children's literature related to giving and generosity
- Items and small amounts of money to donate to causes of the child's choice
References
- Character Education: Parents as Partners; Marvin W. Berkowitz and Melinda C. Bier; Educational Leadership; September 2005.
- LearningToGive.org: Your Child's Growth in Understanding Philanthropy
