How to Create a Legacy of Giving for Your Children

“The true wealth we leave behind isn’t in our bank accounts, but in the hearts we’ve touched.” – Sarah Schlott

Let me be real with you. When I think about the legacy I want to leave for my kids, it’s not just about making sure they’re financially secure or have a decent shot at a comfortable life. That’s all fine and dandy, but what really keeps me up at night is whether they’ll grow up with the guts to be generous, the heart to be kind, and the brain to figure out that life’s not just about them. I want them to understand that giving isn’t just something you do when you’ve got extra cash lying around—it’s a way of life, a mindset, and honestly, the only way to leave the world better than we found it.

Table of Contents:

• Why Leaving a Legacy of Giving Actually Matters
• How to Make Giving a Normal Part of Life
• Weaving Philanthropy into Family Traditions
• Final Thoughts on Building a Lasting Legacy

Why Leaving a Legacy of Giving Actually Matters

Look, we all want to raise decent humans, right? But raising kids who care about more than just their own little bubble—now that’s the real win. These days, you see more and more families figuring out that teaching their kids to give back isn’t just nice; it’s necessary. If you want your kids to grow up into adults who don’t suck, it’s crucial to show them that giving isn’t just about writing a check—it’s about understanding that we’re all in this together.

• It’s Not Just About Money: According to Forbes, kids who grow up with a strong sense of giving end up not only more successful but also happier and more fulfilled. It’s like a double bonus: they do well and they do good.
• Empathy Starts at Home: By making generosity a family value, you’re helping your kids develop empathy, responsibility, and a sense of purpose that’ll stick with them for life.

How to Make Giving a Normal Part of Life

So, how do you actually go about this? First off, don’t just talk the talk—walk the walk. If your kids see you making a habit of giving, whether it’s time, money, or even just a little kindness, they’re going to pick up on that. It’s like osmosis, but with morals.

• Lead by Example: The Wall Street Journal reports that parents who are actively involved in charity tend to raise kids who follow suit. So get out there, get involved, and let your kids see you in action.
• Start a Family Giving Fund: Set up a fund where everyone chips in, and then as a family, decide where the money goes. This teaches financial responsibility and makes giving a fun, shared experience.
• Make Giving Part of Your Financial Plan: When planning your estate or savings, set aside some cash specifically for charitable causes. This ensures your legacy of giving lives on.

Weaving Philanthropy into Family Traditions

Now, let’s talk about making giving as much a part of your family traditions as turkey on Thanksgiving.

• Holiday Giving: Instead of just exchanging gifts, allocate part of your holiday budget to donations. Let the kids help pick the cause—it turns a season of getting into a season of giving.
• Birthday Donations: Encourage your kids to ask for donations to a charity instead of gifts. The New York Times suggests this shift from materialism to mindfulness can be hugely impactful.
• Volunteer Together: Make volunteering a regular family activity. Whether it’s serving meals at a shelter or cleaning up a park, these shared experiences create lasting memories and teach valuable lessons.

Final Thoughts on Building a Lasting Legacy

At the end of the day, creating a legacy of giving isn’t about how much money you leave behind—it’s about the values you instill in your kids. And those values? They’re priceless. By making giving a part of their everyday lives, you’re setting them up to be the kind of people who make the world a little bit better, one act of kindness at a time.

So yeah, it’s about dollars and cents, but it’s also about hearts and minds. And if you’re anything like me, that’s the legacy you really want to leave behind.

If this hit home for you, please help spread the word by sharing this article on social media. Let’s get more people thinking about the legacy they want to leave for their kids.