Sylvester Knox, Finance Advisor, on Teaching Philanthropy

As parents, one of the most important jobs you can have is teaching your children about different ways of life. How to be kind. How to be generous. How to be helpful. The list goes on. Teaching children generosity and kindness is essential in their early stages of development, as it will help shape them into well-rounded adults. While children may not fully understand what it means to give back to others, teaching them best practices over time is a great way to start.

During early life stages, children are capable of developing a sense of empathy for others. As adults setting an example of what it means to serve and help others can be looked upon as a model for doing what is right. Providing children with an environment where they have the opportunity to see that volunteering and giving are encouraged can spark an interest for them in the area of philanthropy.

Even the most simple involvement such as making a donation to a charity or setting up a charity box to collect donations is an excellent way to get kids involved. In order for children to gain a clearer picture of philanthropy, it requires the adult to use a better means of understanding. In a child's mind toys are one of the highlights of their entire day because they interact and play with them. Having a child gather up old toys that they no longer play with to donate to a foundation for boys and girls who are less fortunate is the perfect chance to get them involved hands-on, and can really get them excited about making another child happy. This will ultimately encourage them in the long run, and you may even find your child taking their own giving initatives as they get older.

The more exposed children are to various different philanthropic activities the better they will understand. Adults setting an example and showing them how important it is to give back and contribute charitably will stick in their minds. In the classrooms at school, they are shown how different food drives and activities that can help in their local community are able to make a change. As children feel they are able to make a difference in this world and bring about change, they too will want to have a high interest in philanthropy. Setting the example for the future generation is the key to encouraging charitable actions.

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This article was originally published on sylvesterknox.org

About the Author

For over twenty-eight years Sylvester Knox has worked in the financial industry as an investment executive. As the CEO of the Knox Group, Sylvester assists corporations, individuals, and families with their financial decisions. Knox draws on his decades of experience to craft tailored strategies for each of his clients. Sylvester Knox currently resides in New Jersey, and is an active philanthropist focused on giving back to his community.

For Sylvester's personal finance blogs, visit sylvesterknox.net

For Sylvester's blogs on philanthropy and volunteering, visit sylvesterknox.org

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