7 Tips for Making Charitable Giving a Family Activity

“The legacy of giving is the greatest inheritance we can pass down to our children. It’s not just about the money, but the values we impart with it.” — Sarah Schlott

Alright, listen up, folks. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably just trying to keep your kids from growing up into total jerks who think the world revolves around them. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t. But guess what? You actually have the power to make sure that doesn’t happen. How? By teaching them the fine art of not being a selfish twit.

And the best way to do that? Making charitable giving a family activity. Yes, you heard me. Turn off the video games, peel the kids off the couch, and let’s teach them how to care about something other than themselves for once.

Table of Contents:

• Understanding the Value of Family Giving (A.K.A. Why Your Kids Aren’t the Center of the Universe)
• Incorporating Charity into Daily Life (Without Losing Your Sanity)
• Teaching Children Financial Responsibility Through Giving (Because, Hello, Bills?)
• Creating a Family Legacy of Philanthropy (Or At Least Trying Not to Raise Greedy Little Goblins)

1. Understanding the Value of Family Giving

We live in a world where kids think they’re entitled to the latest iPhone, the biggest slice of pizza, and your undivided attention 24/7. Newsflash: They’re not. One of the best ways to knock them down a peg (or two) is by teaching them the value of giving. When you make charitable giving a family thing, you’re not just handing out a few bucks here and there—you’re slapping a big ol’ reality check on them.

And let’s be real—current events have given us plenty of teachable moments. Have you seen the news lately? Food banks are running dry, and disaster relief organizations are scrambling. So, maybe it’s time your kids learned that not everyone has a pantry full of Oreos, yeah?

2. Incorporating Charity into Daily Life

Look, I’m not saying you need to turn your house into some kind of saintly utopia where everyone is humming kumbaya and knitting blankets for the homeless. (Although if you’re into that, more power to you.) But let’s be honest, making charitable giving a part of daily life can be done without losing your sanity or resorting to bribery.

Start small. Set up a “charity jar” where the kids can toss in their allowance, loose change, or whatever crumpled dollar bills they find in the couch. Then, at the end of the month, decide which cause you want to support. Pro tip: Let the kids pick. This way, they actually give a crap about where the money is going instead of just mindlessly tossing coins into a jar.

3. Teaching Children Financial Responsibility Through Giving

Here’s a wild idea: Maybe, just maybe, our kids need to learn that money doesn’t grow on trees. Or in Fortnite. Or wherever the heck they think it comes from. By involving them in charitable giving, you can sneak in a little lesson about financial responsibility. Oh, and did I mention it’s good for them? Like, really good.

For instance, when it’s time to buy school supplies, have them set aside a portion of their budget to buy stuff for kids who can’t afford it. Not only does this teach them to think beyond their own wants (OMG, a 24-pack of Sharpies!), but it also helps them understand that money is a tool for doing good—not just for buying more useless crap.

4. Creating a Family Legacy of Philanthropy

Here’s the thing: Philanthropy sounds fancy and all, but it’s just a grown-up word for not being a greedy jerk. By making charitable giving a regular thing in your family, you’re laying the groundwork for something bigger—something that’ll hopefully stick with your kids long after they’re done mooching off of you.

Start by picking a cause that aligns with your family’s values, whatever those might be. Is it disaster relief? Animal shelters? Making sure no child goes hungry? Great—commit to it. And then, keep committing to it. Because if there’s one thing the world needs more of, it’s people who give a damn.

5. Make Giving Personal for Your Kids

Kids can be pretty self-centered (shocker, I know), so if you want them to care about giving, you need to make it personal. Find causes that align with their interests. Is your kid obsessed with animals? Great—volunteer at a local shelter. Does your teenager love sports? Have them donate their old gear to underprivileged kids. When the cause hits close to home, your kids are more likely to get involved—and stay involved.

6. Celebrate the Wins Together

Don’t just give and forget. Celebrate your family’s efforts. Did your charity jar help fund a new playground? Did your family’s donations make a difference in someone’s life? Share those stories around the dinner table, and let your kids know that their efforts are making a tangible difference. Trust me, they’ll be more excited to keep giving if they see the impact firsthand.

7. Lead by Example

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, lead by example. Kids are expert observers, and they’re always watching what you do (even when you think they aren’t). So if you’re making charitable giving a priority, they’re likely to follow suit. Show them that giving isn’t just something you talk about—it’s something you live. Your actions will speak louder than any lecture ever could.

Final Thoughts

Look, I’m not saying this is going to be easy. If your kids are anything like mine, they’re probably going to whine about it at first. But trust me, it’s worth it. Making charitable giving a family activity isn’t just about helping others—it’s about raising kids who know how to give a little something back instead of just taking, taking, taking. So go ahead, give it a shot. And if you found this helpful, maybe share it on social media so other parents can get their kids on the giving train too.