A few months back, while navigating the bustling streets of downtown Chicago, my eldest child, Ethan, asked for some money. Initially, I assumed he wanted to grab a snack or a drink from a nearby shop, so I declined. However, he persisted, and my irritation led me to turn to my partner for assistance. “What do you need the money for?” he inquired.
“I want to help that homeless man we just walked by,” Ethan replied. I felt a wave of pride for his compassion, but also a tinge of embarrassment for not asking about his intentions sooner. Children, by their very nature, are filled with kindness and generosity. While they may show selfish tendencies at times, I firmly believe in their innate desire to help others. They notice a need and instinctively want to address it.
Unfortunately, it’s often adults who complicate this natural inclination. We create divisions between the “haves” and “have-nots,” establishing hierarchies that can diminish the purity of a child’s generosity. However, as adults, we also hold the power to nurture their inherent kindness. By encouraging their open-mindedness and applauding their big-heartedness, we can cultivate a generation dedicated to building connections and perhaps even making the world a better place.
Last month, my family attended a welcoming event at a local mosque, and I can honestly say it was one of the most heartwarming experiences I’ve ever had. The hosts greeted guests with genuine smiles and open arms, drawing hundreds from diverse backgrounds and faiths to unite in support. The display of love and generosity was truly moving. Afterward, we discussed the Muslim faith and the kindness we had received.
A couple of weeks later, I watched my 10-year-old son, Lucas, as he crafted his Christmas wish list. Amid items like the latest gaming console, I couldn’t help but chuckle when he crossed them off after seeing my skeptical expression. He then sought my advice on what else to include, and I suggested he consider gifts for others. “How about asking for donations to a cause you believe in?”
We brainstormed a few organizations, and after several drafts, he included a donation to the mosque we visited. The following week, I reached out to the mosque to facilitate the donation, and to my surprise, I received a call from one of their board members who wanted to thank Lucas personally. An hour later, they arrived at our home, and they expressed their gratitude for his generous Christmas wish—one that wouldn’t yield him a tangible reward but rather a profound sense of giving.
Then came a moment I will never forget: they gifted him a new gaming console from his wish list. Overwhelmed with emotion, I struggled to find words of thanks, all while my heart filled with joy as we shared that experience together. In that moment, I realized what true generosity looks like. It’s a cycle of care, compassion, and support.
Scott Harrison, the founder of charity: water, recently shared an insightful perspective: “If kids truly understand, they will choose goodness and happiness for others over material possessions.” As parents, it’s our responsibility to provide them with opportunities to make such choices.
In our family, we strive to weave generosity into our day-to-day lives. Each Christmas, our extended family draws names, and part of the gift includes a donation to a charity significant to the recipient. This year, my son drew his cousin’s name, and knowing her passion for animal welfare, he decided to donate to the shelter from which they adopted their dog. I also make it a point to involve my children when we donate food to local shelters or pantries.
I often worry if I’m adequately nurturing my children’s natural kindness. Living a comfortable life can sometimes cloud their understanding of gratitude. More importantly, I want them to grasp that generosity is not merely about giving away surplus but about sharing and caring for one another. I want them to feel inspired to take care of others.
While I occasionally feel overwhelmed by the world’s negativity, I remind myself that even small acts of kindness matter. A few weeks ago, as I stood on my front porch, tears in my eyes, embracing a stranger who had just touched our lives, I knew we were on the right path. Because even if no one can do everything, we can all do something—like teaching our kids to spread beauty through their generous spirits.
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In summary, let’s embrace the spirit of generosity in our families and communities. By doing so, we create a ripple effect of kindness that can change lives.