Instilling Charitable Values in Children: The Power of Early Education

(This article is written by our Founder, Mario Singh who shares his journey on instilling values in his kids, Chantelle and Elliot).

Anything that is worth doing, is worth doing right and worth doing early.

Even before Shalyn and I started Soulrich Foundation in June 2019, we were getting our kids involved in simple acts of kindness. One event that definitely stands out for me is our activity of distributing mooncakes to the one-room flats in Banda Street. We didn’t have a plan, but we knew we just wanted to bless the folks during the festive period. We initially started by having me knock on the doors but when no one was opening (maybe my looks scared the people!), we changed strategy and put the kids in front 🙂

Over the years, both have followed us on many occasions, whether its delivering food or bread to needy families.

By nurturing their innate sense of kindness and generosity, we can instill in them a deep understanding of the importance of giving back to society. In this blog article, we will explore the significance of teaching charitable values early on and provide practical tips to foster a culture of giving in children.

Why Teach Charitable Values Early?

Here’s 4 reasons why:

→ Building Empathy: Early exposure to charitable acts and discussions about the needs of others help children understand the emotions and experiences of the less fortunate. This, in turn, cultivates empathy and compassion.

→ Shaping Positive Attitudes: Teaching charitable values help create a positive outlook on life. Children learn that they have the power to make a difference, no matter how small their actions may seem.

→ Fostering Social Responsibility: By introducing children to charitable causes, we help them develop a sense of responsibility towards their community and the world, encouraging them to actively contribute to making it a better place.

→ Cultivating Gratitude: Engaging in acts of charity exposes children to diverse life circumstances, making them more appreciative of what they have and less likely to take their privileges for granted.

Here are 7 practical ways we can teach our kids: 

→ Lead by Example: Children are highly influenced by their parents and caregivers. Demonstrate charitable behaviour by engaging in acts of kindness, volunteering, and discussing your experiences with them.

→ Involve Them in Decision Making: When choosing charitable activities or causes to support, involve them in the decision-making process. This empowers them to take ownership of their choices and interests.

→ Make It Personal: Encourage your children to select causes that resonate with their passion or interests, be it animals, the environment, education, or healthcare. This personal connection enhances their commitment and dedication.

→ Set Realistic Goals: Teach children that charity isn’t only about grand gestures. Help them set achievable goals, such as saving a portion of their allowance to donate or performing small acts of kindness daily.

→ Volunteer as a Family: Engaging in charity as a family fosters a sense of togetherness and teamwork. Participate in volunteer activities, clean-up drives, or fundraising events as a unit.

→ Encourage Sharing: Encourage children to share their toys, books, or belongings with others, especially those in need. This simple act instills a sense of generosity and teaches them the joy of giving.

→ Celebrate Acts of Kindness: Praise and celebrate your child’s acts of charity, whether big or small. Positive reinforcement motivates them to continue making a difference in the lives of others.

Just this month, both Shalyn and I made a decision to bring both Chantelle and Elliot to their first charity dinner. Soulrich Foundation sponsored a table for the 200th year (that’s right… 1823 to 2023!) celebration dinner of Bible Missions under the Bible Society of Singapore. We wanted them to witness the impact of giving to good causes, and plant a seed in them that some day, Soulrich would organise an anniversary celebration with our donors and ecosystem partners as well.

In conclusion, teaching charitable values to children early on is an investment in their character and the future of our society. By nurturing their compassion, empathy, and sense of responsibility, we can raise a generation of individuals who actively seek to make the world a better place. As parents, caregivers, and educators, it is our collective responsibility to guide them on this path of kindness and giving, ensuring a brighter and more compassionate future for all.