As the holiday season approaches, it’s a wonderful opportunity to include children in conversations about money, especially around giving and generosity. For families with charitable inclinations, this can be a meaningful way to introduce children to financial values that emphasize empathy and social responsibility. Our Wealth Advisor, Yesenia Realejo, CFP®, gave us some insight on how she guides clients on the matter, stating “Around the holidays we usually encourage clients who are charitably inclined to have discussions with kids around giving as a way to help establish values that are important to them.” Further, Yessenia highlighted how discussing charitable giving and involving kids in decisions on how to help others not only builds a sense of purpose but also lays the foundation for thoughtful financial habits as they grow, nurturing values that will last a lifetime.
Involving children in the giving process helps them understand that money can be used as a tool for good. By participating in decisions about how to support others, kids feel connected to the causes their family cares about, making the act of giving more personal and meaningful. This engagement fosters a sense of purpose, teaching children that they have the power to make a difference, no matter how small the gesture might seem.
One way to make the concept of giving more accessible to children is to start with stories. Sharing the reasons behind your family’s charitable efforts, whether it’s helping feed those in need, supporting animal shelters, or donating to schools, can make abstract concepts more relatable. For younger children, hands-on activities such as picking out canned goods for a food drive or helping wrap gifts for underprivileged families can leave lasting impressions. Tangible experiences often help children understand the direct impact of their actions.
Parents can also involve children in choosing the causes the family will support. Whether it’s selecting a charity or deciding how to allocate resources, giving children a voice in these decisions fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. This involvement not only helps them feel included but also teaches them the value of collaboration and thoughtfulness in financial decisions.
As part of these conversations, the holiday season offers a natural opportunity to introduce basic financial concepts. Explaining how the family budgets for charitable donations can be an excellent starting point. For older children, you might discuss the idea of setting aside a portion of their allowance or holiday gift money for a cause they care about. These lessons teach children how to balance their own needs with the needs of others, an essential skill in financial planning and life.
By leading by example, parents can inspire children to adopt generosity as a core value. Children often emulate what they see, so sharing your reasons for giving and demonstrating your commitment to helping others can leave a lasting impact. Over time, this can nurture a mindset where giving becomes a natural and ongoing part of their lives, not just something done during the holidays.
Ultimately, involving children in the giving process during the holidays does much more than teach them about money. It nurtures their capacity for empathy, responsibility, and thoughtfulness, shaping values that will guide them well into adulthood.