Downloadable Resources to Build Generosity
How to Use the Resources to Teach Generosity
For a fun and structured way to build character in your kids all year long, download the calendar and stickers.
Each calendar month focuses on a unique character trait. And each character trait has a unique printable teaching resource to help you build character in your child. You can download it below.
The resource includes:
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- definition card – to build an understanding of generosity.
- verse card – to memorize why generosity is important.
- question/challenge – to discuss or practice generosity.
- character certificate – to recognize monthly progress in acquiring generosity.
- reward coupon – to have fun and show your child how proud you are of them!
Use some or all of the resources to build generosity in your child all month. You can also use the printable sticker sheet to cut out and place stickers on dates you see your child showing the trait you’re working on that month. You just need one 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of sticker paper.
Generosity is just one of the 12 character traits we want to help you build in your kids. Here are more.
Why Teaching Generosity to Kids Is Important
I got to talking with a friend of mine about money. He’s a financial advisor, so the topic was definitely his wheelhouse. We have talked a lot about 401K and retirement plans in the past but this conversation was focused on teaching our kids how to manage money. He told me he gave his kids allowance on one condition: They had to separate their funds into three jars. Each of his kids had to contribute to a spend jar, a savings jar, and a blessing jar.
“A blessing jar for kids?” I asked. Yes. He told me to try it, saying there is no better time to teach children about the joys of giving than when they are young.
Generosity is being willing to give more of something than is expected. When kids are little, not much is expected. That isn’t always a good thing. We have a chance to start them on a life-long path to generosity with basic lessons.
We tried out the three jars approach in our house and told our children the rules. Saving and spending were both for them, but the money in their blessing jars had to go to someone else. It could be a buddy, a homeless person on the corner, or the basket at church. Slowly, as they noticed the impact their tiny offerings were making. They cheered up people in need and that feeling was addictive. The kids began to get more excited about giving money away than they were about buying something for themselves. The lesson had sunk in. Generosity was not only fun but a blessing.
How to Teach Generosity to Kids
Spend, save and give.
Try the three jars habit with your kids. Ask your kids for ideas for a person or outreach to donate to using the blessing jars.
Serve in your community.
Take one weekend per month to do something for others. Mow the lawn, paint their house, or do something selfless that goes above and beyond what you’d normally do. Cook dinner with your kids and drop it off with someone who was recently in the hospital or had a baby. It will show love for someone during a difficult time.
Give your time.
Take your kids to an assisted living home and spend the afternoon playing board games with the residents. Many of them don’t have family nearby and that can be lonely. Being generous with your time is just as important for teaching generosity to your kids as being generous with your wallet.
Praise generosity between siblings.
When you see your kids give generously to each other, point it out with enthusiasm. “You gave your sister the bigger cookie. That was generous of you!” Your excitement will make them want to show generosity more often.
