Teaching Generosity to Children


As parents, we try to instill in our children our values. For many of us, a generous spirit is central to those values. Generous people not only contribute much to the world, but are themselves rewarded in terms of the loyalty, respect and the friendship of others. Research has even shown a link between altruism and physical and emotional health. Generosity is a win-win proposition. Here are some explicit ways to foster generosity in a child:

1. For the youngest children, teach them early the value of sharing. Emphasize how it brings joy to others, and praise their efforts. Sharing is the basis of generosity. Help older children adapt to different kinds of people, and encourage them to see things from others