How to teach kids about charity?

 

I vividly recall the first time I asked my kid, "Do you want to give this toy to another child who needs it more than you do?"

At first, he stared at me and was perplexed. At first, he responded, "No." But then he gently gave her the toy truck that he used to love. For a few years now, we have been teaching our kids to give up their old toys and share them with other kids. And now it's time.

That moment was incredibly special to me. The peaceful scene of letting go, the soft eyes that silently say "I am ready," and the basic things have brought back memories from my childhood when we didn't have much. Writing this article taught me a lot.


It made me think about this basic truth:


It's not about how much we donate that makes us charitable. It's the heart that gives.

I have two sons, Isaac and Israel, and I know that kids don't just happen to be generous. We show them how to do it, educate them how to do it, and rejoice with them. In a society where we are always trying to acquire more and do more, teaching your child to give is one of the most important things you can do. It's not only about possessions; it's about the heart.



If you have two or three kids, this approach is quite simple. Choose one charity each year for each child that everyone in the family can get enthusiastic about.

Why It's More Important Than Ever to Teach Charity

Charity builds character. Think about it: giving up something you care about to assist others is worth a lot more than getting something at home. It helps people understand each other.

And it shows youngsters that even modest things they do may make a significant difference in their own lives and in the lives of others.

"Teach a child how to live, and when he is older, he will not stray from it." – Proverbs 22:6

The sooner you start teaching them to care about others, the better their foundation will be—not only for giving, but for living a life that counts.

5 Important Ways to Teach Kids About Giving (Even When You're Not There) 

1. Choose one charity for each child every year.

This is a useful and effective way to do things if you have two or three kids. Give each youngster one cause to promote for the year and make them the "project manager" for that cause. I've seen this work. You may give one youngster the job of being the lead person for the event each year. You don't need to have older kids to start this. You can start these activities while they are little.

Let them take charge of the toy drive, the food distribution, or the fundraiser for a sick kid.

There are a lot of fantastic chances that come up during the year, especially now when we need them. A lot of folks need aid. It doesn't have to be this huge. I'm sure they'll be thrilled to think about how to start and work on your charitable work together.



Family tip: Make it an enjoyable project for the whole family. Let your kids come up with names, arrange events, produce posters, and go live online. Just watch them grow.



2. Know Your Why: Base It on Your Family Values

Before you start doing things, explain to your kids why we donate.



If "compassion," "service," or "generosity" are important to your family, talk about them a lot. Tell me how what you do fits with what your family believes.



When things get hard, remind them:

"We do this because we want to help other people." That's just who we are."

This clarity can help your child get through hard times and learn to value purpose above perfection.

3. Set an Example: Kids Copy What You Do

Let's be honest: kids do what they see. They learn from how we treat others, how we spend money, how we communicate to helpers, and how we talk about donating.

They will do the same if they see you offer with joy, serve with honesty, and contribute without expecting anything in return.

Want to teach your kids to be kind?

Be a kind parent.

Begin with little steps. Give with happiness. Let them help you when you give to charity, make relief kits, or offer tithes at church.

4. Get involved in a cause-driven community

It might be hard to plan your own charity initiative. That's why I established a Facebook group called Donation Drive Philippines.

We started modestly by helping out after the Mayon Volcano erupted. We are now a growing family of kind people and small companies supporting those who have been affected by floods, fires, and other disasters throughout the Philippines.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why should you join?

You don't have to accomplish it by yourself.

Your kids can observe how people work together to make a difference.

You may go to activities that are well-organized, clear, and safe.

Joining a group makes things easier and has a bigger effect.

5. During the lockdown, encourage creative giving.

Even if kids can't go outside right now, it doesn't mean they can't help.



Let them look about at home:



Send letters to those on the front lines



Make digital art to give away

Sell clothing and toys you don't use anymore online

Have a little garage sale with your family and give the money to a good cause.

Let them lead, dream, and make plans. It's more enjoyable to give when it's their idea.



🙏 A Spiritual Anchor: Giving Shows How God Feels

God loves a lot. He gave His Son. He gave us grace. And when we educate our kids to contribute, we show that we have a heavenly heart.

"It is better to give than to get." – Acts 20:35

Teaching youngsters to donate isn't only about helping the impoverished; it's also about getting the next generation of leaders ready to serve.



📣 Thoughts: Teach People to Give, Not Just Take

In a society where people might quickly feel like they deserve things, giving makes them more humble.

It helps youngsters see that they have something to give, even when they're young.

Take Action Today:

Choose one charitable initiative for the whole year.

🧠 Talk about the principles you hold dear in your family.

Join a charity that you trust, like Donation Drive Philippines.

✍️ Tell your youngsters to create a notebook of kindness.



Let's assist your kids improve the world, one nice act at a time.

📩 Click here or send me a message to find out more.

🔗 Take part in our mission ➜

Do you want a family charity planner that you can print out, a guide for youngsters who want to volunteer, or a series of devotionals on being generous? Please let me know if you'd want me to make one for your family.

 

Meet Jack Marbida

Hi, I’m Jack, a financial advisor and father of two. For over 4 years, I’ve been helping Filipino families grow in financial literacy and faith-rooted living. Through our “Financial Freedom” program, I aim to raise not just smart savers—but generous givers.

💛 Let’s help your children become world-changers, one act of kindness at a time.

📩 Message me directly or click here to learn more.

🔗 Join our mission ➜

Would you like a printable family charity planner, volunteer guide for kids, or a devotional series on generosity? Let me know—I’d love to create one for your family.