How do we teach our kids about charitable giving?

Charitable giving is such a wonderful and important lesson to teach our children, and there are opportunities to do so all around us. I think the better question is: How do we get our children to want to help others?

The answer is almost too simple: by sharing our own reactions to the pain and problems in our world. Often, we try so hard to protect our children from problems that we prevent them from being part of the solution. Talk with your children about what is going on in the world, in your community and family. Are there small ways that your family can help? Even little things like sending a card to a sick neighbor or playing cards with residents at the local nursing home can bring so many rewards.

Perhaps your children would like to put aside a percentage of their allowance each week toward some cause that is meaningful to them. Perhaps you'd be willing to match their donations.

What is most important is that your children have ownership in their charitable choices. Let them determine the cause and brainstorm ways in which they would like to respond. Remember, in the long run, it really is the thought that counts.