Raising Charitable Children

Stewardship is a life long journey that can begin at any age. It is also essential that parents teach their children to be good stewards of the gifts they have received from an early age. A few resources can help parents share this journey with their children:

"The Giving Book - Open the door to a lifetime of giving," by Ellen Sabin, Watering Can Press, 2004,

This colorful and playful book provides a hands on approach to teaching children about being charitable. Filled with illustrations, projects and approachable activities, parents and children can share, think and experience the foundation of what it means to share with others. The workbook helps make philanthropy fun and understandable for young children and is a wonderful way to bring the important message of stewardship home to families.

"Brother Juniper…the most generous of the brothers" by Diane Gibfried, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2006

Brother Juniper is an excellent choice to open a discussion about generosity. Father Francis of Assisi and his followers are famous for their piety and generosity; but Brother Juniper, who is beloved because he is simple, is the most generous of all. He literally gives someone the robe off his back, even though he is naked underneath (the amusing watercolor illustrations include two images of rear nudity).

One day, he is left alone at the church. When a poor man arrives asking for help, Brother Juniper gives him candlesticks. He offers the golden chalice to a hungry woman with eight children. By the time the brothers return, he has given away the entire church, from the furniture to the walls themselves. The others are so angry that he hides himself in shame. The following Sunday, however, as the friars congregate for prayers, they are amazed….

Raising Charitable Children, by Carol Weisman, F.E. Robbins & Sons Press, 2006

An easy reading how-to guide for introducing children of all ages to charity and volunteering, Raising Charitable Children is packed with practical advice and inspirational, real-life stories of friends and family who have made philanthropy a fun, rewarding part of a child's life.

For more information about these and other resources for families, please contact us.