Charitable giving is a hot topic because of the disasters that have hit the United States and other countries recently. With the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and tornadoes and floods in various states in the US, information on giving money to help people recover has been all over the news and internet. Children are also part of the audience that gets this message. Parents can teach their children to make donations with these five tips:

1. The Amount you Give isn’t Important – Most children have limited funds. Depending on their age, their money comes from an allowance, doing chores, gift money, part time work, etc. Children may feel that giving a small amount of money won’t do much to help a charity. When they see how much money is needed to build a library in Kenya through Wepay.com, they may think that $5 won’t help. Teach your child that every bit they donate helps! Explain that if everyone thought that way, no money would be raised. You can even set up an example and ask friends and family to make small donations to the charity of your child’s choice. As the donations come in, watch the money grow with your child.
2. Help your Child Choose a Charity that has Meaning – If someone close to your family has a medical illness, your child may want to donate to that cause. Perhaps a house in your area was destroyed by a fire and donations are being accepted. Help your child decided what type of nonprofit or cause touches them. Along with a monetary donation, your child can draw a picture, send a note, or ask others to make donations too. When there is an emotional investment is the cause, your child is more likely to want to help out.
3. Give Money Directly – Younger children may understand charitable giving a little better if they actually place their money is a collection basket or jar. As a parent, do your homework on the charity to see if it is legitimate first. Some options are adding money to a place of worship, Salvation Army kettle, MDA firefighter’s boots, charities that collect at stores in person or by leaving a jar. Your child may get a direct thank you if a person is making the collection, a piece of candy, or notecard.
4. Make Giving a Family Tradition – Some families make their charitable donations during the holidays or ask for donations in place of gifts at birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc. This is an opportunity to teach your child the importance of giving instead of receiving. Keep their age in mind, of course. You don’t want a meltdown at a birthday party when there are no gifts for the birthday girl. Instead, use your special days as examples and the holidays as a time to get your child involved in giving. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Halloween (collecting and giving for UNICEF) are perfect examples.
5. Take Part in Charitable Events with Your Child – Go to events that raise money for a charity, provide entertainment and information about the nonprofit and the people that are being helped. Some are geared toward children or include stars, music, or other child-friendly acts. Seeing people they admire give of their time to help raise money, people volunteering to collect money and learning about the real impact of the disaster, medical condition or other good cause, can influence your child more than news coverage, photos or a speech from mom and dad. Your child can give money over the phone or by text with your help.

Teaching your children about charitable giving is a process. You are their main example, but providing opportunities and insight is invaluable. WePay Giving showcases stories of children and adults who need help right now. Read through some with your child and see if someone makes an emotional impression. Giving is easy and you’re child will get the satisfaction of seeing his or her donation, along with other donations, grow and actually help a real person or cause.