Kids and giving

[hopeinGod]

I like teaching compassion to my grandkids. One of my grandsons, 7, and I went through all of my change one afternoon and took out the pennies, which I gave to him, telling him that he was to share the money with his brother and sisters, and to give some of the money to the poor. The total came to $24.

Sometimes, before we head off to the hardware store, I will pray with one of the kids to tell the Lord we are willing to be used of Him. We will ask God to lead us to someone who may be standing at an intersection who needs our help. Last time, I gave some money to a lady standing with her two small daughters who held a sign in a plea for aid.

When his Dad came to pick him up, my grandson shined with the biggest smile as he carted that treasure to the car, saying, "This money, Dad, goes to the poor." In reply, his Dad said, "You need shoes son. That's first." A pair of shoes was bought and the rest was split with the other kids. I'm not sure how much either made it into the church plate or to the poor.

At the same time I tell my grandkids they should give, I also tell them that they are never to give or talk to strangers without me or one of their parents with them. Also, I tell them to run for safety if ever a stranger approaches them.

I would like them to learn to be compassionate. Maybe doing it this way isn't the best avenue. What do you think?

 

[tobethebest]

Being an example is always the best method for instructing children. They pick up on things quicker than we realize and pretty soon they are copying the very things we say and do. It's easy to get them to do something if money is involved, even donate to their favorite charity. It takes a number of years before a child catches on to the value of money. At an early age they learn that money allows them some pretty tasty treats. C-H-O-C-O-L-A-T-E.

 

[gracefulone1980]

We just really try to lead by example with our children. My oldest daughter (she will be 9 next month) is growing her hair out for the second time for Locks of Love. This upcoming birthday will be the second one that she will not be accepting gifts, but accepts items to be donated to a foundation or shelter of her choosing. Last time it was the cat shelter where we rescued her cat from...she has yet to decide on this one coming up yet. We are active in our church and always helping with drives. My seven year old really wants us to pick an ornament to get a gift for a needy child from the grocery store. We're not financially able to at the moment, but I told her we would try really hard, if not, we always make homemade scarves for the mitten/scarf tree at out church. We always talk about having a servants heart and leading our lives with J-O-Y. Jesus first, Other second and yourself last. Our kids are pretty hands on and always eager to help others in need and my girls are really passionate about it. They will be going caroling this month with our church youth group at a nursing home for the second time this year. Just leading by example is what we always done with our babies.

 

[appalachianprayer]

Children are normally mimickers. Especially the younger ones. They pay attention to everything and soak your actions in like a sponge. I am a new father and I see it everyday with my two year old. He remembers the strangest things, just little things. It's definitely teaching me to slow down in my speech with him and my thoughts, helping with patience as well heh... Leading by example is the only way to do things. I try and have conversations with him like I would anyone else as well though...

I think we have to try and follow in Jesus' footsteps so that our children will follow in those footsteps... I pray for the guidance to be a good dad... Grace, Righteousness, and Prayer are things I try to work on.. Anyway this is just me rambling... But teaching them to give is something I try and show him by 'giving him things.' Sharing, friendship, etc..