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If you’re a parent, you know that getting your kids to do what you’d like them to do isn’t always an easy task. Some nights getting them to eat their vegetables or do their chores is enough to make you go insane. But like a good parent, you are persistent in getting your kids to do the things that will help them grow up to be the type of people you admire and respect. When they’re right into their toddler stage, you teach them to be nice to the other kids and to share their toys. And once they’ve mastered that lesson, it’s time to take their generosity to the next level. If your kids are older, there’s no need to panic. It’s never too late to teach them the ins and outs of being philanthropic. This advice will have your kids wanting to be charitable because they will experience how good it feels to be helping others.

They’re Watching You
Kids are like sponges. It’s amazing how many details they absorb from their surroundings that you wouldn’t even realize. You might find yourself asking them where they learned how to do something, and they’ll say they saw you do it. And as the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. So what does that mean for you? It means you shouldn’t be stingy when it comes to being charitable. Go the extra mile to show them that being charitable is a priority for you. If you start them at the right age, they’ll do anything to be just like you. And if you’re being generous and kind, they’re going to take notice and mimic the things you do.

Love Thy Neighbor
You can do a variety of acts to show them how to be charitable, and your neighbors are convenient to help you teach your kids. For example, take them with you the next time you go over to lend the neighbors a hand. Try to involve them somehow in the process. Whether you let them play in the snow while you help shovel the sidewalks or if they’re old enough to help out, they will see that you’re doing your part. Maybe you’re sending over baked goods to some people in your community. Get the kids involved by having them help you bake. Then, let them help deliver the goods. The looks of gratitude and the thanks they receive will help them understand how good it is to give to others.

If you want to teach them about monetary charitableness, let them be the ones to put the money into a local donation box. They will feel good about getting to contribute, even though they are using your money. Then when they’re old enough, they’ll know the feeling and want to give some of what they’ve earned. As an added bonus, teaching them to help neighbors and the community shows them the value of fellowship and giving back that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. They will take a sense of pride in where they live and strive to make it a great place to live.

Interest Kids with Their Interests
In order to get your kids involved, find out what they love to do. For example, maybe one of your kids loves animals. That means you can really get them involved with being charitable toward animals. Take them to an organization that helps save animals, and see if there are any ways they can help out. If you have the money, maybe you could help sponsor an animal to save. That way they could have ownership in knowing which animal they helped and wanting to help more.

And if their interests are changing, there is no need for them to hang on to unwanted toys that they’ve outgrown. Explain to them that somebody else could use the toys instead of throwing them out. Once again, have them go along with you to donate. That way they can see where their toys are going and they will get to see the rewards of being charitable. If you want to reward your child for this, try buying them one new toy after they’ve donated all of their old ones. It will give them something to suit their interest now, and explain to them that if they grow out of the toy then it will be donated again.