Teaching Generosity

MINE! Children seem to be born knowing how to take what they want - even willing to fight for it, when they are little. As much as we teach kids to share, sometimes it seems like our voices get drowned out by a culture that emphasizes buying and consumerism. As kids grow, sometimes we wonder if our message is getting through.

Developmental experts tell us that early experiences of hands-on service can make a big difference in teaching kids to be generous, and that it helps them become generous adults.

With Souper Bowl of Caring on February 5, a Midnight Run on February 10, Stockpile Sunday on February 12, SHIP on February 12, Mission with Mommy on February 15  and Family Promise hosting from February 19 – March 5, and on-going tutoring on Tuesdays, we at Central are showing our love for God and our community through our commitment to mission, and giving kids and parents lots of ways to learn about generosity.

At Central, we emphasize mission with young children by giving them simple tasks to complete that allow them to share their skills and energy, bringing a wonderful, enthusiastic expression of care and hope. As kids get bigger, they are able to help in different, more complicated ways. Elementary-aged kids love to show their generosity by preparing a meal for Family Promise, or playing a game with a younger child as an evening host. Serving younger children gives older children not only an experience of generosity, but also one of connection, helping a child understand that the differences in ethnicity, religion or housing status don’t need to create divisions.

For adolescents, learning generosity is crucial. As kids get ready to leave home, we know that they need tools to respond to life’s difficulties. A generous heart, a deep-rooted faith, and a desire to serve others can all be tools that help our kids be adaptable and resilient. At an age where social, academic and athletic pressure can become overwhelming, giving back helps young people gain perspective about their own blessings, to see their efficacy in the world and how they really help to make things better, and especially to see the real and living hope that comes from being a part of God’s work. Older kids are ready to participate in mission that brings them face to face with difficult situations, while giving them the support of their faith and adults who can help them see the hope we have in Christ, teaching kids see how to respond to difficulty.

Teaching generosity not only helps our kids learn to share, and be nicer to be around, it builds their faith and gives them the tools they need to meet life full of hope, with an open heart and ready to find connections and solve problems. Teaching generosity helps our kids to be ready to meet the future and to bring their gifts into the world.