Teaching Kids About Giving
"Money isn't only for buying things for ourselves. Giving can be one of the most rewarding things children learn to do with it."
Generosity is easier to understand when children are actually given the opportunity to make decisions about giving — not just told to do it.
Start small
Children don't need to give large amounts — even a small amount can teach the concept.
In our 3-jar system, $1 of the weekly $5 goes into Give. Families can choose whatever amount or percentage works for them.
Let children choose
Where possible, let children have some control over where their giving goes. The important part is that the child understands what their money is helping with.
Make giving tangible
Physical money helps. Let them count what they have, decide how much to give, put it aside, and physically hand it over — a real action, not an abstract concept.
Giving vs spending
Giving is a different choice from spending — an opportunity to teach that money is limited and choices have consequences.
Giving doesn't need to be money
Generosity can also involve time, effort, belongings, helping someone, or volunteering. Money is simply one way to practise giving.
Don't shame children if they don't want to give. The aim is developing generosity, empathy and thoughtful decision-making — children can learn by seeing adults give as well.
Show them the impact
Where possible, help children understand what their contribution does.
Keep examples realistic — don't promise a specific outcome unless it's actually known.
Family giving
Give each child a small amount of money and let them choose a cause. Discuss: why did you choose it? Who does it help? What do you think your money will do? The goal is conversation, not the size of the donation.
Giving as a habit
Regular small acts of generosity can be easier for children to understand than occasional large donations. That's why a Give jar can be useful — the money gradually builds up until there's an opportunity to give it.
Fill the Give jar
- Let the child choose a cause
- Count the money together
- Decide when and how to give it
Afterwards ask: how did it feel to use your money to help someone else?