Creative Ways Parents Can Teach Kids About Charity

The holidays are not just a time for merrymaking, reunions, and parties, as the true meaning of Christmas is in "giving." This season, therefore, is always the perfect opportunity to teach kids about charity.

According to the experts, children are instinctively receptive to sharing and helping others, even as toddlers. They have the innate drive to be generous, empathic, and kind, but it's up to their parents to firmly instill these values as they grow older.

Here are some creative ways parents can teach kids about charity:

1. Start small by giving away their own stuff.

Parents can start with teaching simple charitable deeds if their kids are still young. They can round up the children to make an inventory of the things they own but no longer want, such as toys, books, or clothes, so they could give these to underprivileged children. There are plenty of donation drives for old or unused stuff at malls or business establishments that parents can introduce to their children this Christmas season.

Make sure, however, that the kids are setting aside old things that are still in good condition. Parents have to take this opportunity to let their kids know that not all children have access to their stuff, so they must give away things that are still very useful for other people.

2. Go big and make it a conscious choice.

It's easier to guide older children into donating a part of their allowance or Christmas money to a non-profit and explain how a cash gift can help those in need. If the parents do it right, they can advise their kids on how they split percentages of their allowance as "spending, savings, and donations." This way, the children will have a yearly goal to aim for when it comes to charity, said financial expert Stephanie Mackara.

Parents can also boost their children's drive to give when asked about the causes they want to support. Since giving is a voluntary and personal act, the kids need to connect with the good deed and not merely consider this a chore they have to accomplish.

3. What's best -- donating items or volunteering time?

In these conversations about charity, parents could open up about what they think their kids will be more comfortable with -- donating their items or volunteering their time. Moms and dads have to consider the character of their children. Once the kids start to internalize these conversations with their parents, they can be more driven to focus on particular advocacy or organization.

4. Do it together and become the example.

Nothing ignites the children's interest more than getting involved with what their parents are doing. Children learn through what they see, and if they are used to seeing their parents participate in charitable acts, they will likely adopt the same principles as they grow up. According to the Women's Philanthropy Institute, 80.5 percent of children donate or volunteer because their parents have done the same.