Do U think children sbould donate too?

[mnm'z]

Your children are never too young to learn by example. "Show" your child the way to love, live, act, and give as an adult should, and your child will grow up happy, healthy, and full of love.

Kudo's to you!!!

[ShaynatheGeek]

Agree with everyone else here. It is great to start them early. Kids are never too young to understand that giving and helping others is a good thing to do. I think it's great you doing this.

You can explain poverty however you feel comfortable as they are older. I think at the age of 3, a child can grasp the idea of giving toys away to other kids who have no toys. Do whatever you feel is best for your children.

[churn111]

Such wonderful comments from everyone.

Remember your children are the future and the younger you teach them to give and help and just out and out be generous, the more it is just a way of life for them.

I work with children in our church and that generosity and giving is something I stress.

God bless you for giving.

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[tdrshopping]

The timing of this post seemed to call sharing this story with everyone.

The associated press published an article this morning (10/27/08) that discusses generosity as something being in our nature. This is a quote from the article "Humans are evolved to be acutely sensitive to our reputations as do-gooders in our social groups because this promotes strong cooperative bonds that help the species."

[cboyer]

Originally Posted by tdrshopping

The timing of this post seemed to call sharing this story with everyone.

The associated press published an article this morning (10/27/08) that discusses generosity as something being in our nature. This is a quote from the article "Humans are evolved to be acutely sensitive to our reputations as do-gooders in our social groups because this promotes strong cooperative bonds that help the species."

Beautiful.... thank you..

[go falcons]

I agree with the other posters - it is never to early to teach kids kindness and compassion for others. My parents did this with me my whole life and I have continued it on with my children.
A friend of mine shared what it was like to go to a party for underpriviledged kids in our area last year. She said these kids were so greatful for everything from the toys they got , to toothbrushes and socks. These kids at this party were greatful for anything that had thier name on it .She said she was so moved by seeing kids excited to have just the basic items that we take for granted.

[couponmomma]

Originally Posted by go falcons

I agree with the other posters - it is never to early to teach kids kindness and compassion for others. My parents did this with me my whole life and I have continued it on with my children.
A friend of mine shared what it was like to go to a party for underpriviledged kids in our area last year. She said these kids were so greatful for everything from the toys they got , to toothbrushes and socks. These kids at this party were greatful for anything that had thier name on it .She said she was so moved by seeing kids excited to have just the basic items that we take for granted.

I always think about their eyes lighting up over the toys, but never over seeing their names on gifts. A long time ago I worked in an office that "adopted" a child for Christmas. I'll forget what he asked for:taking a warm coat. My heart ached. All of us pitched in & one lady went shopping on Black Friday. That boy had clothes, toys, & so much more.

Your post reminded me of another way to give. Last year my daughter was in the children's hospital around Christmastime. Instead of giving the kids gifts, a group came around & helped them pick gifts out for their families. Since my daughter was there, she "bought" us gifts. I'll never forget the smile on her face. They even wrapped or provided bags for the presents!
All the kids were happier to have gifts to give than to receive.

[MarlaSinger]

I do think children should donate when they can. We should all learn how fulfilling sacrifice can feel! We should all learn that a little kindness can really make a difference to someone else.

I started when my kids were like 5-6 years old. We don't do an actual charity. I encourage them to set things aside for Freecycle. At that young age, I explained it like, "Let's pretend you had no toys. What would be nice for someone else to give you because they don't use it anymore?"

Without fail, every time I mention freecycle, my kids go overboard. They want to get rid of things I spent too much money on and things I'm not convinced they are ready to get rid of yet!

[mnm'z]

Every fall, usually around the end of October beginning of November, I'd have my kids go through their toy box. They had to make the decision to keep toys, donate toys, or throw away broken toys. But at least half of their toys had to go. Go anywhere but back in their toy box.

This served two purposes, they learned to give away their prized possessions (as 2 - 3 year olds think of their toys), and it made room for the stuff from the upcoming Christmas.

[bucksaver]

For many years we have always donated to charity at X-Mas as a family. I was so thrilled this year when my 19 year old son told me he was making a donation for a young boy with a co-worker at the restaurant where they work. I was so proud to hear that these two 19 year old young men would give up their hard earned cash and would actually take their own time to go shopping to buy a 14 year old boy a pair of tennis shoes and a toy. I know that in our area of Michigan there are many more people that need help this year and I am glad we can help out.