How to Encourage Children to Give Money to Charity

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Encouraging children to give money to charity can be a difficult lesson. In part, this stems from the fact children can’t see what their money is doing. A brand new toy is something material that they can touch and feel. Sending money in an envelope to a cause doesn’t seem exciting. Here are some ideas to help encourage your child to give money to charity.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Set rules. In my family, we had the 10% rule. Stemming from a religious background, we were to give 10% of our allowance to church. Through the years, our 10% rules branched out to giving to a cause. By setting a rule, your child won’t miss the 10% of their allowance, because it is already set aside.
Step 2

Get your children’s opinions. Ask your child what is important to them. It’s easier for children to make monetary contributions to things that they enjoy or want to help with.
Step 3

Research charities with your children. There are a lot of books and magazines established to help children learn about specific causes. Organizations print pamphlets, and many different religious and cultural centers will be happy to help assist you find an organization that your children will like.
Step 4

Involve your children. Instead of just forking over the cash, think of ways to use their money to help people directly. If your child wants to give kids toys for Christmas, have them adopt a child off an “Angel Tree” at church, or let them save up and buy a toy to donate for Toys for Tots.
Step 5

Set a good example. Let your children see you donating to charity. Write out your church envelope in front of them. Put all your change in a jar to donate to charity. Help them shop for food with you and donate it to a food drive. Drop off clothing and household items to second hand stores sponsoring different causes and let them help you carry stuff in.
Step 6

Volunteer. A child will feel more generous with their money when they see the changes that monetary contributions do. By serving turkey on Thanksgiving at a soup kitchen, your child will see how their money feeds people.