Teaching children about charity is an important part of instilling values such as compassion, empathy, and community-mindedness. When a child’s family models these values and takes the time to explain why they are so important, that child is more likely to grow up into a compassionate adult.

However, the challenge lies in presenting charity in an age-appropriate way that the child can understand. Here are some tips and methods that may help.

1. Start with Simple Concepts

While young children might struggle to fully understand the nuances of charity, they can comprehend the simple concept of lending a hand to others. Explain charity in terms of kindness and sharing, perhaps relating it to something they do, such as sharing their toys with their siblings, being kind to a friend who feels sad, or inviting a classmate who looks lonely to join in recess games. This helps in laying the foundational concepts that other people may need help, and that we should step up to help them. 

Tip: Include stories or books about kindness. Children’s literature is replete with characters who embody generosity, sharing, and compassion. These stories can generate meaningful discussions on why helping others is important.

2. Model Generosity

Children learn by observing their parents and caretakers, especially when they are very young. Perhaps one of the most effective means of teaching the importance of giving is modeling charitable behavior yourself. Let your children see that you donate money to causes, volunteer your time, or do other acts of kindness. Explain this to them in an understandable manner.

Children do what they see. If they get used to seeing their parents involved in community service, they’re more likely to grow up with a philanthropic mindset. If charity is part of the family culture, children are more likely to make this part of their lives.

3. Make It Tangible

Kids relate better to hands-on experiences. Include them in acts of charity where they can see the results almost immediately. For example, take a family outing to a local food bank to volunteer, or even simply let them pick out toys or clothes to donate to underprivileged kids.

Alternatively, create a giving jar in your house where your child can drop in coins or extra change. Then you can turn it into an event by donating the money to a charity, perhaps one you decide upon as a family. Such moments can leave a lasting impression that emphasizes the importance of lending a helping hand to others.

4. Teach the Joy of Giving

Teaching kids the joy of giving is crucial. Keep in mind that charity does not need to mean sacrifice or loss. It’s about the joy that comes from knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life and the sense of connection you feel. Whether it’s through volunteering at an event or contributing to a cause you love, encourage your child to focus on the positive emotions that come with being generous. When children realize that giving brings happiness to both the recipient and themselves, they’re more inclined to keep engaging in acts of kindness.

5. Encourage Small Acts of Kindness

Charity doesn’t always have to consist of grand gestures. Encourage children to find small ways of helping others around them. This can be anything from carrying groceries for a neighbor to making cards to deliver to elderly residents in a care facility to cleaning up litter at a local park. These small gestures of goodwill emphasize that everyone has the power to make an impact regardless of how modest their contribution may seem.

6. Involve Children in Decision-Making

Children will feel more invested in charity when they have a say in how they give. Involve them in selecting a cause or organization they feel passionate about. Whether it’s animals, the environment, or helping other kids, giving children a choice in what causes they want to support will help them feel more engaged.

For example, you can create a family ritual of conducting reviews of charitable causes and deciding where to give your donations. This exercise not only helps children feel included in the process, but also allows them to learn about different social issues.

7. Use Technology to Teach Charity

In today’s digital world, technology can be a powerful tool for teaching charity. A lot of apps and websites make giving easy and accessible to kids. Many such platforms will also allow them to track their donations, learn how their contribution made a difference, or even fundraise virtually. Integrating these digital tools into a family’s charitable endeavors can enhance the experience, making it more fun and interactive for kids.

8. Create Charitable Traditions

Creating a family tradition around charity makes giving an expected and treasured part of life. Consider adopting a holiday tradition where your family gives toys or food to people in need, or allow your child’s birthday to be an opportunity to give money to a cause of their choice instead of, or in addition to, getting presents. Alternatively, families include charity as a way to honor religious holidays and live out the tenets of their faith. These actions create a ritual around charity that will become a familiar part of family tradition.

9. Explain the Greater Implications
As children grow older, help them understand the larger context of charity. Explain to them—in an age-appropriate way—how charity can be a way to address larger, global issues like climate change, social justice, and poverty. Teaching children to see the bigger picture will help them understand that their actions, no matter how small, can have wide-reaching consequences. By placing charity within the context of global citizenship, you assist children in realizing they belong to a community that extends beyond their immediate surroundings.