How to Raise a Generous Child

Our first MOPS of the Spring Semester began on February 3rd, and what a joy it was to see our longtime MOPS friends and to meet our new MOPS moms and visitors.  Remember, you are always welcome to bring a friend who would like to check out PazNaz MOPS!

Guest Barb Christing joined us and gave an inspirational speech about how to teach your child to be a generous person, and how to grow that generosity within them.  Barb is a world traveler, an author, a campaigner for World Vision (sponsoring children around the globe), and a truly generous soul.  You can find out more about Barb at slingshotkids.com.

Barb Christing's first children's book, and World Vision folders

There are three general principles, according to Barb, to start a life-long trait of generosity in your child:

1.  Invite your child into the process.  Let them make the decision of how to be generous.  If your child wants to sponsor a child in another country, let your child choose what child she wants to sponsor.  Barb's daughter chose a little boy in Malawi that her mother wouldn't have picked, but her daughter was drawn to that boy's picture.  If your child loves to cook or bake, help him find a way to donate his treats to a church or school bake sale or to take them to an retirement home.

2.  Give your child the freedom to be involved only as much as he wants to be.  They can be generous at whatever level they want, and stop when they want to.

3.  Applaud and encourage every generous step your child takes.  Give the same energy and focus in teaching your child to ride her bike to teaching her to be generous.

Slingshot demonstrations to bring out the David in us

Barb also noted three steps to grow your child's generosity:

First, study your child to find his kind of generosity.  Some children are generous with their money, others with their time; some kids are generous with words of praise and encouragement.  See how God has wired your child so that you can help him develop their unique brand of generosity.

Secondly, be intentional about helping your child develop her sense of generosity.  Help your children see the fruits of their labors.  "It is very empowering for them."

And third, set a good example.  Children learn by watching and doing, so if they see that you are generous, they are likely to be so too.  "Generosity is contagious," said Barb.

Barb asserted that generosity "teaches children to love at a very deep level that doesn't count the cost of themselves.  A generous child lives in a world of abundance," knowing God and parents will provide for him or her.

Michele Tully was the sponsor for our Minute to Win It game at this MOPS.  The ladies at Sona's table won a game where moms had to pass around two 2-liter soda bottles that were taped end to end, in order to get the jelly beans from one bottle into the other.  They won cute goody bags filled with fun toiletries.  One mom at the table won a free hour of childcare by Michele, who is a personal assistant to stay-at-home moms.  For more info about Michele's business, please see the MTWI Sponsor page on the right.

Next MOPS will be on February 17th.  Please bring any books or media you would like to donate, and your one-dollar bills in case you find some "new" books and media to take home!  We will also hear Pastor Scott Daniels talk to us about Momsense and Faith.