Teaching Little Hands to Make a Big Difference

In today’s world, it’s important for parents to take purposeful steps to raise children to be compassionate and generous human beings. Every parent wants their child to be caring and giving, but with today’s expectations of instant gratification and focus on digital interactions, teaching them the joy of giving back to others can be more of a challenge. Children who learn the value of giving back at a young age are able to develop a sense of empathy and citizenship, both of which are important to their success in the classroom and in life. For parents, helping to instill these attributes in young children may be simpler than you think.

Research shows that young children who have high prosocial skills – or behaviors meant to benefit another – are also among the most cognitively ready for school. Giving back and volunteering plays an important role in the development of character in children as well. It teaches them that they can do things that positively impact the world around them. Even young children can learn to become active participants in their communities.

A study conducted by two Harvard anthropologists, John and Beatrice Whiting, observed the altruistic practices of children in six world cultures. Their findings indicate that children in some cultures are more helpful to their peers, while children in other cultures are more focused on themselves; the differentiating variable being that children assigned more household responsibilities are more helpful and giving. Encouraging children to contribute to the well-being of the family at a young age – by taking care of the family’s animals, caring for younger siblings and performing household chores – teaches them the importance of giving back, and the sense of fulfillment derived from helping others.

You can help your children learn the importance of giving back by encouraging them to perform thoughtful actions for those around them. Here are some ways you can teach your children compassion and generosity, thereby preparing them for greater success in school and life:

1. Model kindness to your child and others. Let your child see you offering to help a neighbor or co-worker and express to him the happiness you feel when helping others.

2. Remind your child how helping benefits others. Include your child in simple activities by asking for help. For instance, you might say, “Who wants to be my special helper today and help carry laundry to the washer? We won’t have clean clothes without you!” Or, “The dog looks hungry. I bet he’d really appreciate it if you gave him his food and water.”

3. Acknowledge helpful behavior. Show your appreciation and explain why it was helpful to you. For example, rather than just saying “Thank you,” instead say, “Thank you for helping me carry the dishes to the kitchen without being asked. That saved me a lot of time.”

4. Help young children learn the joy of giving. If another child doesn’t have a toy to play with, suggest that your child offer up one of his toys so they can both have something fun to play with.

5. Expect children to give without expecting something in return. Avoid material rewards for helping and giving behaviors. Treats for good deeds may work in the short term, but over time children may become less generous when the rewards stop.

You also can consider taking your child with you to volunteer for a nonprofit organization. Choosing volunteer activities that are age-appropriate is important. Children as young as three enjoy participating in group activities and are able to follow directions. Think through the following questions to help select a volunteer opportunity that is right for your family: Does the organization have experience working with children and families? Will the organization staff welcome my child’s participation? Is there a specific job that my child can do successfully? Can the organization help my child understand how his or her efforts benefit others?

Compassion and generosity are important traits for every person to have. Helping young children learn the joy and fulfillment of lending a helping hand to others will empower them to make a difference in the world, both as children and adults.

Primrose Schools is a national family of accredited, early education and care schools serving children, parents and local communities with a purposeful, balanced approach to nurturing Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts®. To learn about Primrose School of Harmony on the Lakes, stop by our school campus at 404 Argonne Terrace in Holly Springs or call 770.704.0721. For more parenting tips, visit our 360 Parenting blog at www.PrimroseSchools.com/360Parenting.

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