An Experiment in Teaching Children Philanthropy

--by Author Unknown, posted Jan 30, 2007

Once a year, I give my two children money. The only hitch is, they have to give it away. I give them each $100. They know it is a lot of money, so they are careful how they use it. It is their job to find out who in our community is doing things that they feel good about, and then decide who will get the money, and why.

Giving away money, even if it is only ten or twenty dollars, is a tremendous way to learn about the positive work people are doing right in your own neighborhood. It makes us get out of our comfort zone, ask around, talk to people we wouldn’t normally talk to, and ask questions about what the problems are and what people are doing to make them better. Everyone wins. My kids learn about the community, about the power of giving, and people in the community, who are often volunteering their own time and money, feel that their efforts are seen and honored in some way.

Last year, they both chose to give their money to a shelter for runaway teens. They visited a few places that counseled young people, and felt this particular place was especially welcoming. When they handed the check to the director -- who had no idea these children were ‘philanthropists’ -- everyone was a little
surprised how good the day turned out to be.

This exercise may be repeated as often as possible. It cannot possibly fail. You do not need to wait for holidays, and you don’t need children. You can do it yourself, on any day you like.

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Posted by Author Unknown
Jan 30, 2007
Comments (13)

Readers Comments

pilgium wrote: what a great idea,i think i will do the same with my 4 grandchildren this year

Aashaa wrote: That's a wonderful idea. Thank you for sharing it!

waltzes wrote: Great idea!! I look forward to doing this with my own children!

WAYFARER wrote: You can't do better for your children than teach them the power and joy of giving.

Very well done!

tambu wrote: What a great way to learn about the reality of your community's needs and teach your children. Thanks for the inspiration. My daughter, age 7, has some money she has saved to give to those "less fortunate..." You have inspired me to assist her with more diligence. thank you.

myturn wrote: I have been looking for a way to help my step daughter understand the importance of giving. We only have her everyother weekend so it has been hard to pass on our beliefs. This is a great idea. Thanks for the help.

jessi wrote: great idea! I also read a story about a pastor who gave each of his congregants $100.00 and asked them to multiply it with, by selling a product and then they gave it to charity. The church raised over $100,000. and the congregants realized they had a special hidden talent.
Thanks for your story, Jessi

N.S.PADMANABHAN wrote: A great idea to mend children in their young age. But children ask what do you get by giving away all you have. I answer them you earn a great amount of happiness & satisfaction resulting in total peace of mind. Really they can understand!

bharnig wrote: Wonderful idea. Thank you for a simple lesson of philantropy. God bless :)

Aruna wrote: Simple, poignant and wonderful story.

Thank you for sharing i plan to take it up.

I am a teacher and have a class load of kids wanting to make a difference!

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