Giving is against our natural character. We must have the giving heart taught to us. We are born with many needs and they must be met or we will not survive. As we grow, we either continue that attitude of getting our needs and wants met or we can be taught an attitude of helping others. Most children have no idea how to give on a regular basis. It is our duty as parents to model it for them.
5 Rules to remember when inspiring our children to give:
Rule #1. Check our own hearts. We must have an attitude of giving in our own hearts and portray it for our children to see. When they see us giving to those in need, it will start to become natural for them to want to give also. Is giving to others something you do often? If the answer is yes, it is most likely that your children have followed your example already. If the answer is no, apologize today and start showing them your love for giving (it is addicting).
Rule #2. We need a reason to give. Giving is unnatural, so children need to see the need for it to become a natural part of our heart. Bringing your children with you to donation areas, soup kitchens, food pantries, nursing homes, hospitals, missions, ext. is very important. By serving others in need, our children’s hearts are open to the many needs of our world. We should also be reading books about those in need weekly to keep our children’s hearts (and our own) reflecting on the greater needs of the world.
Rule #3. Give together. Sure there are times when our giving should be a private matter but for the most part giving should be a family affair. Giving together will make your family grow closer together, in love for others.
Rule #4. Giving is the only way to battle selfishness. Many of us, especially our children are only worried about ourselves in this life. When we open up our hearts to be touched by other people we can loose some of our selfishness. A giving heart often starts by being asked to give, but soon we start to enjoy it and look forward to it, our children’s hearts will be no different.
Rule #5. Have fun! Giving should be a positive experience. Have fun with it. Make it a positive experience for everyone involved. If your child only gives in a tiny way, praise them and encourage them next time to give a little more. The rewards of giving are felt in the heart and will grow in time.
SavingAddiction is run by Lauren and Giselle. Two busy moms with 10 amazing children. SavingAddiction was born from a dream to help others save money and the Lord has evolved it into so much more! We also have found a new passion to teach others to give in ways they never thought possible!
Note from Kaley: Teaching our children to think of other’s needs is not always an easy task. How about you? Have you found ways to inspire your children to be givers?
Learn more about Couponing for Community 2012 here and find out how YOU can join couponers nation-wide in GIVING 30,000+ items during the week of May 6-12. It’s going to be BIG.