Looking for Ways to Teach 3-Year-Old About Charity

Hi C.
teach by example. it's starts with the little things, like sharing something YOU have with her. Always remembering to say thank you and really show that you mean it. Also, good idea about donating toys. When my son was 3, we always took him with us to donate toys to a shelter and now, although he is 7, he still remembers those experiences and continues to want to give to people. He points out to me that some people don't have as much as others and that we should remember those people. He is only 7 and already has a huge heart full of gratitude, again, I think it starts in the home and you build it from there. Another fun thing you can do (although she may be a little young) but you can def introduce her to it is freerice.com.. it's a cool website where kids (or adults) can log on and answer questions, with each question they get right (for example a definition of a word) they earn grains of rice. Of course it takes quite a few questions to fill up a bowl, but what's really neat for the kids is that they can get a sense of THEIR doing something to help someone else. It's an easy and fun way of teaching kids that what they do CAN matter and it's educational.
Again, your daughter is a bit young for the site, but it's worth keeping in mind for the coming years.

Good luck to you and happy holidays..

C.,

Both Paige and Larissa have given you all you need to begin teaching your child about giving to others.

When my children, now adults, were young we would clean out their toy boxes and clothes annually; taking the items to the children's shelter. During the "spring cleaning" we would discuss how there are individuals in the world less fortunate than we and it is everyone's responsibility to do all they can to help others.

I started this when they were about three. After several years they began to spring clean on their own and actually looked forward to the visits.

Keep up the good work!! Your daughter will make a difference in each life she touches.

Merry Christmas
CM

I have always included my daughter (now 6) when I go through her toys or clothes and have explained that she is helping someone who needs the items. She will bring me items she doesn't need and ask me to give them to someone who can use them. We started when she was about 2 with giving her crib mattress away when she got a twin bed, and then with clothes going to a friend with a child a bit younger than her.

Model it daily. If you donate things, have her be in on it. If you model it and include her, she will learn.