Parenting Tips to Raise Well-Behaved and Generous Children

Parents are always concerned about how their children will get along with the rest of the world. We teach them to be cautious but friendly, truthful but tactful, and in every other way seeking virtue and balance. A cornerstone to socialization is learning to share. Most parents begin early to try to instill this virtue in their children. Nothing is more disconcerting to a parent than to suddenly hear their child scream “MINE” in the grocery store or in front of the in-laws.

Teaching generosity goes beyond simply teaching sharing. It involves giving more than the minimum you need to give just to get along. It may involve sacrifice and putting someone else’s needs first. It’s a trait best taught by example so the first place to start is for parents to examine their own proclivity toward generosity and toward stinginess or selfishness. Generosity is freely giving to and sharing with others. It is the opposite of being stingy, selfish or unconcerned about the welfare of others.

We don’t want to teach our children to just give other people their left-overs. Sometimes someone else can benefit from owning something for which we no longer have a use so certainly we should recycle toys, clothes and books to those who need them. That’s a responsible use of resources. It may take us some time to get these things to the right person and taking that time is a gift. However, true generosity goes beyond this. It involves being willing to give when it costs us something. Ever heard the expression: “he would give you the shirt off his back”?

This holiday season take the time to teach your children to notice the needs of others and to respond appropriately and generously. Teachable moments are the perfect time to do this. It can be over a meal, while on a special outing, while taking a walk or while doing the Exercising Values program. Taking advantage of these special times to guide our children toward good choices will result in children that are a pleasure to live with as they grow older.