How to Teach Your Kids the Importance of Giving Back

Teaching your kids about the importance of giving back is one of the most important lessons you can give them. It’s also an opportunity to come together as a family, have honest conversations about the world, and reflect on how you as an individual can have an impact on your community. Keep reading for tips on navigating giving back with kids. 

Lead by example 

One of the best ways to teach your kids about giving back is to lead by example. Once they see you participating in causes that are near and dear to your heart, they’ll most likely want to learn more. Sharing with them why donating your time to the local animal shelter or baking cupcakes for the annual charity bake sale is so important to you is a great way to encourage conversations about the importance of giving. 

Have honest conversations 

It’s essential for kids to understand why giving back is so important. Make time to have those important discussions about making a difference and showing empathy. Of course, you’ll want to make sure these conversations are age appropriate, but it’s never too early to show kids how to have a positive impact on others. 

Give back together

Make giving back a family affair. Whether you serve food at a soup kitchen during the holidays or volunteer at a weekend park cleanup, giving back is a great way to spend time together. Giving back together not only further demonstrates to your kids how important it is to participate in volunteering, donating, and using your time and energy to benefit others, but it will also bring you closer together as a family unit.

If making a difference in the world is important to you, you may want to consider ESG investing, which stands for environmental, social, and governance. ESG is a way to make socially responsible and environmentally sustainable investment decisions using specific criteria.

Investments are a way to look out for your family in the short and long-term, build a safety net, and ensure you can continue giving back to the causes that mean the most to you for years to come.  

Let your kids choose a cause 

Kids will be most invested in giving back when they have a say in the cause. You can give them ideas that you think might appeal to them. For example, if your child really loves books or toys, you may consider talking to them about donating a few of these items to another child for the holidays. If they love baking, discuss hosting a cookie stand to raise money for a local food bank. Having a stake in a cause is a great way for kids to develop compassion and purpose.   

The bottom line

Teaching your kids about the importance of giving back is significant to their growth as empathetic and socially engaged people. Not only does giving back provide you with an opportunity to have an open dialogue and do good together, but it will also strengthen your bond as a family.