Encouraging a Philanthropic Heart in Your Kids

It is never too early to encourage your child to have a philanthropic heart. Teaching children to donate their own time and money shows them how to give freely without the expectation of receiving anything in return.  Children who learn that small, selfless acts of kindness can make a huge difference are sure to grow into compassionate and generous leaders of tomorrow.

So how do you raise a young philanthropist?  Whether kids are hosting a bake sale, selling lemonade in your front yard, or participating in a school-based cause, even the youngest members of society can learn the importance of giving. Follow the tips below to teach the importance of giving back while encouraging caring and selfless children.

Lead by example: For your child to understand the significance of giving, you must talk with them about how charities fit into and impact the world around them. Share how you as a family have directly supported or cared about a specific cause. If your child knows that you care about something, it tends to spark their interest in it as well.

Share different ways to get involved: Kids don't always have money to give, so let them know that donating their time is just as valuable as any monetary amount.

Find their passion: A child is much more likely to be generous when they have an interest in the cause. Talk about the different options available to them in your community and let them choose what they want to support.

Encourage them: There is no sweeter celebration than that shared between a child and their parents. Celebrate the success of their hard work. Let them know you are proud of their generosity.

A fun and easy way for your child to get involved is to participate in the Kids for Wish Kids® program through Make-A-Wish® Colorado. Kids for Wish Kids  is a custom-tailored fundraising program that provides local schools and youth organizations the opportunity to engage in philanthropy and service activities to help grant the wishes of Colorado children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Students are responsible for the program, from brainstorming fundraising ideas, to choosing a project, and putting in the all the necessary steps to see it come to fruition. Though teachers, parents and Make-A-Wish staff serve as advisors, the project belongs to the children. It's a great way for your child to see that even a small act of selflessness has the power to make an incredible difference.

Opportunities to donate time and raise funds are endless for your child. A few popular fundraising examples include:

Penny Wars

Dress-Up Days

Bake Sales

Car Washes

Read-A-Thon

Not only will your child help grant wishes, but by being a part of this special program they will have a better understanding of community service, leadership, volunteerism and teamwork.  Kids will walk away with a new understanding of the power of giving back and the impact they can have on the community. Children with philanthropic hearts will grow into leaders that have the ability to change the world for the better.

If you would like to be a part of the Kids for Wish Kids program, click here to learn more about getting involved.