Series: Finance for Kids

Phase 10: Giving & Values — Part 117 of 166

Creating a Family Giving Jar

Teaching children about money isn’t just about saving and spending; it’s also about sharing and caring. One wonderful way to introduce this concept is through a family giving jar. This fun and engaging activity can help children understand the importance of generosity and kindness. In this article, we will guide you through creating a family giving jar together, and share some tips and myths to help you along the way.

What is a Family Giving Jar?

A family giving jar is a container where family members can contribute money to support causes they care about. It’s a simple way to teach children about the joy of giving and the impact they can make in their communities.

Steps to Create Your Family Giving Jar

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

To start, you’ll need:

• A jar or container (it can be a glass jar, a tin, or any container you like)
• Decorative materials (stickers, markers, or paint if you want to personalise it)
• Some coins or notes to kick things off

Step 2: Decorate the Jar

Get creative! Sit down together as a family and decorate the jar. This is a fun activity that gets everyone involved. Use stickers or paint to write “Family Giving Jar” on it. You can also add drawings that represent causes you all care about, such as animals, the environment, or helping others.

Step 3: Decide on Contributions

Now that your jar is decorated, it’s time to talk about contributions. Discuss how often everyone can add to the jar. It could be:

• Allowances: If your children receive pocket money, they might choose to put a small portion of it in the jar.
• Spare Change: Whenever you have coins left over, they can go into the jar.
• Special Occasions: Family members can add money during birthdays or holidays as a way to celebrate generosity.

Step 4: Choose a Cause

When the jar starts to fill up, it’s time to discuss where to donate the money. Sit together and talk about different causes or charities that interest your family. This could be local animal shelters, food banks, or environmental groups. You can even research together to learn more about how donations help these causes.

Step 5: Make a Donation

Once you’ve decided on a cause, it’s time to make your donation. You can do this as a family and take a trip to the charity, or if it’s an online donation, you can do it together at home. This experience will help your children see how their contributions are making a difference.

Myths About Giving

When it comes to giving, there are a few common myths that can make people hesitant. Let’s clear them up!

• Myth 1: You have to give a lot to make a difference. This is not true! Every little bit counts. Even small donations can add up and help.
• Myth 2: Children can’t understand giving. Children are very capable of understanding the concept of sharing and helping others. They learn by seeing you model these behaviours.
• Myth 3: Giving is only about money. While money is a common way to give, there are many other ways to help, like volunteering time or sharing talents.

Conclusion

Creating a family giving jar is a wonderful way to teach children about the joy of giving. It encourages kindness, promotes family bonding, and helps them understand the importance of helping others. Plus, it’s an enjoyable activity that can spark meaningful conversations. So gather your materials, decorate your jar, and start making a difference together!

This article provides general educational information only and is not financial advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified professional for personal financial decisions.

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