Raising generous children
6 ways to encourage philanthropy in your family
In today’s world, where material success often takes centre stage, teaching your kids about generosity is more important than ever. Instilling the value of giving helps shape their character, build empathy, and strengthens their relationships with others.
Here are some practical tips to encourage generosity and make giving a family affair.
1. Start young: teach the basics of giving
For young kids
Introduce the concept of giving early on and encourage empathy using stories, games, and discussions to illustrate the importance of helping others. Simple acts of kindness, like sharing toys or helping a neighbour, can help kids see the impact of empathy and make them feel more connected to people.
Tip: Create a "kindness jar" where kids can add a note each time they perform an act of kindness. At the end of the month, celebrate their contributions together.
For older kids and teens
As children grow older, encourage them to find causes they are passionate about. As a family, discuss different social issues and involve your kids in choosing which charitable organizations to support to help foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Tip: Have family discussions about current events or local issues. Encourage them to think critically and advocate for solutions that resonate with them.
2. Make giving a family affair
One of the most meaningful ways to encourage philanthropy is through volunteering as a family. Participate in community service projects together, whether it’s serving at a local soup kitchen, participating in park clean-ups, or volunteering at animal shelters. These tangible acts help children appreciate the efforts behind charitable work and enjoy making a difference as a family.
Tip: Set a family volunteering schedule, such as one weekend a month, and choose different activities each time to expose kids to various aspects of community service.
3. Establish family goals and legacy
Hold regular family meetings to discuss your philanthropic goals. This is a great opportunity to define what values and legacies you want to instill – and how you can practically make a difference.
Tip: Use these meetings to set specific objectives, such as raising a certain amount for a charity, participating in a fundraising event, or completing a set number of volunteer hours each year.
4. Curb entitlement with perspective
In families with wealth, it’s easy for entitlement to creep in and overshadow the spirit of giving. Encourage your kids to take a moment and really think about their privileges – and how they can use those advantages to make a positive impact on others.
Tip: Share stories of individuals or families who have overcome challenges and discuss how they contributed back to their communities. This can help children understand that wealth is not just for personal gain but also for uplifting others.
5. Encourage creative giving
Generosity doesn’t always have to be monetary. Encourage children and young adults to think creatively about how they can give. This can include organizing a fundraiser, creating awareness campaigns on social media, or even using their talents—like art or music—to raise funds for causes they care about.
Tip: Challenge older kids to come up with their own fundraising idea, like a bake sale or a talent show, and support them in executing it.
6. Celebrate generosity
Recognize and celebrate acts of generosity within the family. Whether it’s a small donation or a significant commitment of time, acknowledging these efforts reinforces the positive behavior and inspires others in the family to follow suit.
Tip: Create a family tradition around giving, like an annual “Philanthropy Day,” where everyone shares their favorite charitable experiences and commits to new giving goals.
We can help
Not sure where to start? Talk to us. We can help you integrate philanthropy into your family's financial plan, ensuring that your charitable goals align with your overall strategy.