It’s only natural that parents want the best in life for their kids. Many spend their working lives motivated by this very goal. Part of that aim, for most of us, is to nurture our kids to become compassionate, giving citizens of the world. So what does it take to foster a philanthropic spirit in our children? It’s in your hands…

Cause and effect

It sounds obvious, but when we explain how their actions can help others, kids can ‘own’ their choices and therefore feel empowered to do good . By describing how buying a well for an African village can help stop the spread of deadly diseases, or how cleaning up the beach can protect local wildlife, they will see the benefits and may feel motivated to act.

Talk fest

Open communication is vital for young people to voice their opinions and engage in meaningful discussion. It’s also an opportunity for them to listen to and respect others’ views. Current affairs, world news and issues like homelessness, poverty or environmental degradation can all be addressed at age-appropriate levels. Don’t underestimate your kids’ ideas; a dialogue that starts around the family dinner table can create powerful and positive change.

Take pride

Praise is important but showing pride in your child’s generosity is even better. Tell them why you’re so proud; it builds their self-esteem and affirms that doing good things not only helps others, it makes them feel worthy.

Respect individuality

They may look like you, but don’t expect your children to think like you. While their unique take on the world may draw them to causes you might never have considered, it’s still important to support your child’s passion for the things they care about. You can sponsor their fundraising efforts, help them write a letter to a decision maker or encourage their grand plans for a school fundraiser. And if they decide to ask for donations in lieu of gifts for a milestone celebration, help them to facilitate that course of action through GiveNow.

Dollars and sense

The question of whether or not to pay pocket money for household chores, especially to younger children, is a fraught debate. As they approach their teens it becomes easier to see the merits in teaching kids financial responsibility… and the social responsibility that goes with it. A US survey (see below) found that teenagers who had paying jobs or helped their neighbours were more than twice as likely to be “givers” than those that didn’t. If children are earning money – in whatever capacity – help them set goals to save and spend it wisely. Even if it’s not going to a cause, they’ll soon learn that there’s nothing like spending their own money to appreciate its worth; and they’ll understand what it feels like when it’s gone.

A book a day

It’s a well-known fact that reading to children from infancy has countless emotional, developmental and educational benefits. As children grow and continue to be read to daily, their exposure to characters, stories and other worlds gives them the tools to empathise , understand how their actions affect others and develop their own values. In the same US poll mentioned above, teen “givers” were much more likely than others to have been read to daily as a child, and almost twice as many givers than non-givers said that being read to by their parents helped them believe they could make a difference.

Walk the talk

Make an example of yourself by not just teaching your children about giving, but living out your own giving philosophy. Live generously. Give habitually. Demonstrate kindness. Volunteering for a working bee, cooking a meal together for someone who needs a little TLC or suggesting your kids make a card for someone in hospital are practical ways to involve children in giving as part of daily life.

Child-friendly giving

Money doesn’t need to rate a mention when even your youngest child can:

•  Regularly sort and pass on toys and clothes ready for someone else to enjoy

•  Collect unperishable foods for meal-providing organisations like FareShare

•  Donate a gift they have received to a collection for others less fortunate: many national causes run these around Christmas time

•  Engage with people who are collecting or asking for money: there’s nothing wrong with children asking where the money will go or what it’s needed for – it helps them understand how giving helps others

Facts and resources:

A major American research study conducted in March-April this year examined the connection between daily parenting practices and charitable or “giving” teenagers. The Poll on Raising Future Philanthropists found that while 90% of all parents said it was important to raise children to become charitable adults, the majority didn’t appear to know how to do this.

In The Altruistic Personality (1988), Oliner and Oliner found that rescuers of Jews in WWII Nazi Europe were motivated by "values learned from their parents which prompted and sustained their involvement".

Links:

Youth activism is alive and well in Australia. Check out these hubs for fresh ideas on giving:

• Oaktree Foundation; young Australians working together to end global poverty

• Foundation for Young Australians; improving the learning outcomes and life chances of young people

• ActNow; information on important issues for young Australians: “the more you understand, the more you’ll feel empowered to do something about it”

•  Youth on Board – 14 Points to Successfully Involving Young People in Decision Making is a handbook for working with young people in decision-making roles. Contact Philanthropy Australia

• School Aid is a national schools-based philanthropy network empowering kids to help kids in crisis .

• The Kids Helping Kids Awards is  SchoolAid’s  inaugural celebration of the philanthropic and fundraising efforts of Australian primary school children and their teachers. Entrants are invited to showcase their fundraising activities and demonstrate how, as a school, they “ walk their values talk”. Awards honoring innovation, fundraising, community projects, sustainability, individual teachers and heroes will be announced in November.