8 Powerful Ways to Teach Children the Joy of Giving
11/22/24
It’s officially the season of gratitude and giving—two concepts that young children can easily learn about and apply year-round. Teaching children the idea of giving is a wonderful thing, especially when we highlight the many joys that come with it. When we cultivate a spirit of generosity in young children, we foster empathy, strengthen our communities, and give our little ones an invaluable gift that can last a lifetime.
Here are eight effective ways to instill the joy of giving in young children:
1. Model Generosity
Children learn best by observing the adults around them. Demonstrate acts of kindness, whether it’s volunteering, donating items, or helping a neighbor. Talk to children about why you engage in these activities, emphasizing the joy you feel when giving to and supporting others.
Spread cheer as a family by adopting a senior’s Besa WISH list!
2. Make Giving a Part of Everyday Life
Incorporate giving into your daily routine. Encourage children to donate toys they no longer use or to participate in food drives. Frame these activities as opportunities to help others, making the experience relatable and meaningful.
Join the Kindness Challenge, created by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. Their free downloadable challenge booklet for ages 0-12 will help your children incorporate giving and acts of kindness in their daily lives ❤️
3. Teach the Value of Sharing
Utilize everyday moments, such as sharing snacks or toys, to teach generosity. Praise children when they share, reinforcing the idea that giving brings happiness to both the giver and the receiver.
For Parents: Check out this resource from Zero to Three about Helping Young Children with Sharing | For Children: Learn About Sharing with Elmo on Elmo’s World!
4. Encourage Empathy Through Storytelling
Books and stories are powerful tools for teaching empathy. Choose stories that highlight characters demonstrating generosity. After reading, discuss the characters’ actions and feelings, prompting children to reflect on how they can act similarly.
Three Books About Sharing We Love: I Can Share by Karen Katz (Read Aloud by Auntie’s Library on YouTube) | Sharing Time by Elizabeth Verdick (Read Aloud by Auntie’s Library on YouTube) | Norris, The Bear Who Shared by Catherine Rayner (Read Aloud with Miss Jen at Lewes Public Library)
5. Provide Opportunities to Give
Engage children in activities that allow them to give, such as baking cookies for a friend or crafting cards for a local nursing home. These hands-on experiences make giving tangible and memorable.
Sign up for an In Person Event with Seeds of Caring!
6. Celebrate Acts of Kindness
Recognize and celebrate instances when your child demonstrates generosity, no matter how small. This reinforcement helps them understand the impact of their actions and encourages them to continue being giving individuals.
Download our free printable kindness certificates!
7. Discuss Feelings Around Giving
Talk about how giving makes both the giver and the receiver feel. Encourage children to express their thoughts and emotions about generosity, helping them connect emotionally to the concept.
Check out our free resource with conversation starters for giving discussions!
8. Volunteer Together
Participating in community service as a group is one of the most impactful ways to teach the concept of giving. Find local opportunities that resonate with your values, such as volunteering at a food bank or participating in park clean-ups.
Discover “Anywhere Projects” organized by Seeds of Caring. These projects can be done at home, as a group, or as a family!
Teaching children to be generous is a journey that requires enthusiasm, patience, creativity, and commitment. By modeling generosity, creating opportunities for giving, and celebrating acts of kindness, adults can nurture compassionate individuals who understand the importance of helping others!
Author: Abby Alexander, Program Coordinator for SPARK at Action for Children
Action for Children is the local child care resource and referral agency for central Ohio, and is committed to assuring quality early learning experiences for all children. Our services focus on transforming the lives of children by supporting the everyday heroes who most influence our children’s early growth; care givers, educators, parents, and guardians. Learn More.