Words Stronger Than Actions When Teaching Kids About Giving

Talking to children about charitable giving is even more effective than “role-modeling,” or actually giving to charity, according to a new study released by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. “Role-modeling alone does not appear to be as effective as talking to kids about giving.”

“Women Give 2013” found that children whose parents talk to them about giving are 20 percent more likely to give to charity than children whose parents don’t discuss giving with them. The increased likelihood was found across all demographics, regardless of gender, age, race or family income. The effect of talking is significant even after accounting for other factors that affect giving, including whether the household donated to charity, according to the study.

The study followed the same 903 children, ages 8 to 19, during 2002-03 and 2007-08. More than half of all children gave in both years and a third gave in one year while only about 1 in 8 did not make a contribution in either year. More than half of the children in the study also volunteered at least once during the two time periods but in general, girls are more likely than boys to volunteer – a pattern that continues into adulthood.

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