I know you have been generous with Christmas gifts, food, support for ministries, help for the homeless, nonprofits, and more. And God sees all of that. But how can we as parents teach our kids to hold things loosely and keep giving throughout the year?
Our actions and words model generosity. If you say you are generous, but they never see you give, what does that imply? Share with older kids whom you give to monthly. If you feel comfortable, show them how much you give, and ask them to keep this information confidential.
Start small. For younger kids, help them choose one toy to donate and suggest cleaning or sanitizing it first. (Make repairs if needed.) Take them with you to the donation site. If your child received a duplicate gift, recommend giving it away or getting a refund. What if they used that money to buy canned goods for a food pantry? Help them see that people are still hungry in January.
Clear out your closets and drawers. I bet there are plenty of outgrown or unused clothes that someone else could use. Do you know a struggling family? A single mom?
Does your child receive an allowance? Teach them to set aside a portion of the money in a savings jar or envelope. Let them choose how and to whom they will give the money.
Think of sharing time and talents. Impress on your children that giving isn’t solely about money. Does your child have a talent or time to share? Maybe your teenager could babysit for free or spend time with an elderly neighbor. Does your child play an instrument to perform for a nursing home or a homebound individual?
Help your child discover the joy in giving. After they have given away one or more items, talk about the experience. How did it feel when you first approached them about giving? How did you feel after leaving the item with someone else?
Most importantly, pray that God would transform your child’s heart into a generous one.
Sally Cressman is the author of “The Dance of Easter.” Sign up for her email list to receive “Prayer Sheets for the Family or connect on Instagram.
