Everyone knows that giving to charitable causes is a good thing. Helping those who are less fortunate or who have been dealt a bad hand in life is an important part of what makes up a good society. Did you know that it also can be what makes your own family better? Charitable giving has many benefits for the giver, too. So, if you want to strengthen your family, develop good traits in your children and build a better community, then having a charitable attitude is the answer.
The Benefits of Giving to Charity
While it may not need to be spelled out to you, giving to charity is just the right thing to do. When you have been blessed in your life and you have what you need, it shows you are compassionate and caring when you give to others. However, these traits are not something that you are necessarily born with. In order to ensure they are traits developed by your children, you need to get involved in giving on a regular basis.
Additionally, giving feels good. It is a great way, for children especially, to boost self-esteem. Depending on what charities you are involved in, they may get to see how their donations help others and even get to see the smiles on people’s faces when they receive a donation, which will make them feel good about themselves.
Giving also lets children learn that life isn’t about what you have. It helps them to realize that there are people out there who are less fortunate than them or that are going through tough things in their lives. It takes the focus off of the things in life that kids can easily get wrapped up in, like smartphones and the internet. It allows them to realize that they are truly blessed, thus cultivating an attitude of being grateful for what they have.
How to Get Started
One reason many families don’t get involved in charitable giving is that they just don’t know where to start. It can be confusing and maybe even a little intimidating. While there are no set in stone rules, there are some general guidelines that can help you to get your family started.
A top question parents have is how old their children should be before they are introduced to the concept of charity. The answer really depends on the child and their ability to understand what it is, but even if they don’t fully understand, you can start to get them in the habit of giving at age three. At this age, they won’t likely reap huge personal benefits from it, but you will be starting a habit and getting them used to the idea, which is very helpful down the road.
It’s very important as you introduce the idea of charity that it is a positive experience. Never act as if it is a hassle or something that you don’t enjoy doing. This gives kids the wrong message, making giving into a chore instead of something that they should be happy about doing.
It is also important to choose specific causes you are going to be giving to. By having specific foundations or organizations that you give to, you can keep your giving more focused and organized. There are many places you can give, like animal shelters, the Red Cross, the Eugene Chrinian Foundation, and cancer organizations. Choose something that interests your family or that is close to your heart. Doing this will help keep you interested and committed to giving.
How to Finance Donations
Not every family is going to be able to give hundreds of dollars a month to charity, but there are many ways you can give and even many ways to save money to give. Any contribution helps and that is the main message you want your kids to understand, so don’t make it about the money or how much you give.
If you are going to give money, then find ways for the kids to make money that they will give. Maybe have them set apart a portion of their allowance with you doing the same with your paycheck. Set a goal and when you reach it, you give it to the charity.
If you can’t give money, you can give other things, like food, clothing or even your time. It really depends on the cause you have adopted as to what you can donate.
Donation Ideas
If you aren’t sure how to get started, it helps to start close to home. Giving to local charities is great because you can actually see the benefits of your giving. You can be assured that your donations are being kept in your local area and know they are going directly towards the cause. In the beginning, you may want to try out different types of giving. Consider some of the following activities:
- Donate clothing to a local shelter or clothes closet
- Give blood to show your kids that giving sometimes means sacrifice
- Donate food, toys and other needed items to the local humane society where your kids can have the chance to also donate some time to playing with the animals there
- Give food donations to local food pantries
- Donate money to your local Ronald McDonald House
Living a charitable lifestyle is beneficial for you, your family and your community. When you give, you are helping others while also teaching your children to have a compassionate and caring attitude. There are many ways to give. The main point is you have to get started and stick with it.