This is the question that keeps resurfacing for us. Should we start teaching our children to give back to the community when they are pre-schoolers? Why not wait until they are older and can really make a difference?
Before we start teaching our children about philanthropy, they need to already understand that sharing is a good thing. This happens pretty early on. But, children also need to be able to understand that, at this time, there are people that may not be as fortunate as we are and could use our help. This concept is learned a little later in their development.
I think the better question is: At what point do children understand empathy? I say this because once you have learned empathy, you can mentally put yourself in someone else’s situation and understand how they are feeling. This is the time to start teaching your children little ways they can help others and give back.
This article by Lawrence Kutner, Ph.D talks about how children develop empathy -
http://www.drkutner.com/parenting/articles/develop_empathy.html. Dr. Kutner says that by age 4, children start to associate his/her emotions with the feelings of others; and if they haven’t already learned empathy, they can do so by age 5, by talking about hypothetical situations. This seems to be the perfect time to start integrating philanthropy and volunteering into your family activities.
Also, children who are empathetic are shown to do better in school, have better social skills, and are more successful as professional adults. Children who are taught at an early age to think about and help others, will continue to do so in their adult lives and are shown to grow up to be more well-rounded, successful and confident people.
As a mother of two, that sounds excellent and exactly what I wish for my children. Let the volunteering begin!
