Newswise — Are kids naturally generous? Many seem to be, but they all need guidance. Teaching about giving is an important step every parent can take toward raising responsible, caring children. Getting children on the right path at an early age is the focus of 26 Steps, a family philanthropy program launched recently by Children's Hospital Boston. The program offers tips, tools, exercises and resources to help parents nurture the next generation of philanthropists, developing habits of independence, kindness, good judgment and responsibility.
One 7-year-old donor, for example, devoted two hours every weekend to selling lemonade. She raised over $800 to buy toys for Children's Hospital Boston patients.
The program's website (http://www.childrenshospital.org/26steps) features the inspirational stories of other kids who are already working to make the world a better place, as well as children's activities and recommended readings for both adults and children.
Laureen Cahalane, Director of Planned Giving at Children's Hospital Boston who founded the program, is available to speak on child philanthropy, as is Dr. Stuart Goldman, who can discuss the psychological benefits of giving. Young philanthropists are available to give the child's perspective.
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