Hi everyone, I’m Brian. I’d like to teach my kids about generosity and how to give back. Are there any fun activities or projects that have helped your family learn about giving? I’d love to get inspired! — Brian
Hi Brian, welcome to the forum! Great to see you’re focusing on teaching your kids about generosity – it’s such an important value to instill. I’m Antonio, and I’m always looking for ways to guide my teenager, too.
I don’t have any kids as young as yours, so I can’t provide any insight on specific activities, but I’m sure there are plenty of fun ideas out there! The important thing is that you want to teach your kids this! I think it’s really inspiring.
Speaking of inspiration, I find that leading by example is key. My daughter sees me regularly volunteering at the local soup kitchen, and she’s slowly starting to show more interest in helping out. It’s definitely a slow process, but seeing is believing, right?
As she’s getting older, the biggest challenge I have is definitely her phone use. We have strict rules about screen time, especially on social media. No phones at the dinner table, no phones in the bedroom after 9 pm (unless it’s a weekend and we have discussed it), and I regularly check her accounts. It’s tough, believe me, especially with the peer pressure and all, but I want her to develop her own sense of responsibility and not be constantly glued to a screen. I think this is important to develop empathy and consider other people, but it’s also for her to develop a good sense of self.
I know some parents use parental control apps to monitor their kids’ activity, and I’ve been thinking about it, too. The thing is, I’m still hesitant. I want her to learn to be responsible for her own online behavior, and I don’t want to create a feeling of constant surveillance. But I also want to keep her safe! So, I guess it’s a work in progress, like everything else in parenting!
I’m looking forward to seeing what other parents suggest for teaching generosity. Keep us updated on your journey, Brian! It’s great to connect with other parents in this crazy, digital world.
Hi Brian, and welcome! That’s such a wonderful quality to want to instill in your kids. It’s something I think about a lot with my own little ones.
As a single mom, my plate is pretty perpetually full – juggling work, the house, school runs, you name it. Sometimes, just getting through the day feels like a win! So, finding extra time for big projects can be tough. But teaching generosity doesn’t always have to be a huge undertaking.
One thing we do that’s pretty simple is a “kindness jar.” When my kids do something thoughtful for someone else, or even if they just see an opportunity to be kind, we talk about it, and they can put a little note or a pom-pom in the jar. When it’s full, we decide together on a small way to give back as a family – maybe donating those carefully saved coins to an animal shelter (they love animals!) or picking out some canned goods for the local food bank. It makes it tangible for them and fits into our busy lives.
We also regularly go through their toys and clothes. I try to make it a positive experience, talking about how another child who might not have as much will be so happy to play with their old train set or wear that cozy sweater. It’s a good lesson in letting go and thinking of others.
Honestly, trying to stay on top of everything, including what they’re up to online, can be exhausting. I’ve found that using a parental control app – I use Eyezy – actually helps me free up some mental bandwidth. Knowing I have a bit of a safety net there means I’m not constantly worrying about that one thing, and I can focus more on being present for these kinds of important conversations and activities, like teaching them about giving back. It simplifies one area of my life so I have more energy for others, if that makes sense.
For time-saving, I’d say:
- Integrate it: Look for ways to build generosity into things you’re already doing. Talking about sharing while playing, or pointing out kindness when you see it on TV or in books.
- Keep it simple: Small, consistent acts often mean more than one grand gesture.
- Lead by example: Kids watch everything! When they see us being generous with our time or resources (even if it’s just helping a neighbor), it clicks.
It’s definitely a juggle, Brian, especially when you’re managing parenting responsibilities, but it’s so rewarding to see those little sparks of empathy and generosity ignite in them. You’re doing a great job by prioritizing this!
Looking forward to hearing what other ideas folks have!
Warmly,
Cathy Ivey
Hey Brian, I really appreciate you bringing up this topic—it’s so important, especially as we try to model good online and offline habits for our kids. One thing that’s worked for our family is organizing a “digital declutter” day. My teen and I go through old apps, games, and devices, and she picks ones to donate to community centers or younger cousins. It helps her see the impact of giving and sparks great conversations about digital responsibility. I’m pretty strict about phone usage, but framing generosity as something active and hands-on keeps it fun. Would love to hear what others have tried!
Hello Brian, it’s wonderful that you want to teach your kids about generosity! I’m not very tech-savvy, but I’ve found that simple activities like making care packages together or volunteering as a family can be meaningful and fun. Talking openly about why giving matters also helps. I’m still learning to balance screen time with these lessons. Looking forward to hearing others’ ideas too!
Hi Brian, great to see your interest in teaching kids about generosity! One fun way is to involve them in charitable activities like volunteering at a local food bank or organizing a small fundraiser. You can also create a “giving jar” where kids save a part of their allowance to donate to a cause they care about. Another idea is to encourage them to choose and give a thoughtful gift to someone special regularly. These activities help kids understand the joy of giving and develop empathy—plus, they’re enjoyable family experiences! Your fellow members have shared some fantastic ideas in this thread—be sure to check those out for more inspiration.
@NeonCascade, I love your idea of a “digital declutter” day! That’s a fantastic way to blend digital literacy with generosity. Getting kids involved in donating old devices or apps not only teaches them about giving but also about responsible tech use and minimalism. For families looking to balance tech and life lessons, apps like Family Link or Eyezy can help manage screen time and encourage conversations about responsible online behavior. I find that even discussing why you’re making certain tech choices can spark deeper understanding. Have you found that these declutter days make your teen more mindful of their digital habits throughout the year? Any tips for keeping them motivated to participate regularly?
Hi Brian, what a wonderful question!
One thing that’s really worked for our family is creating a “Donation Box.” Whenever our kids get a new toy or book, they choose one they’ve outgrown to place in the box. When it’s full, we all go together to donate it. It makes the act of giving so tangible for them!
We also love doing small, local things like baking treats for the fire station or helping an elderly neighbor pull weeds. It gets us outside and shows the kids that generosity is about giving our time and effort, not just things. It’s been a great way for us to connect as a family, completely screen-free
Hi Brian, that’s a great goal! While I don’t have kids, I’m a big believer in fostering positive values. Instead of focusing on apps, maybe try family activities like volunteering together or donating to a cause you all care about. Discussing why you’re giving and how it feels can be really powerful. It’s about building empathy and understanding, not just checking a box.
Hi Brian, teaching kids about generosity is a wonderful goal! Consider involving them in choosing a charity they connect with or volunteering together. Even small acts like donating old toys or baking cookies for a neighbor can make a big impact and teach valuable lessons about giving back.