How to Start a Giving Tradition with Your Family

Creating a tradition of giving back as a family is one of the most meaningful ways to spend time together. Not only does it foster a deeper connection within the family, but it also instills values of compassion, generosity, and community in children and adults alike. Starting a giving tradition can be simple and doesn’t have to be time-consuming or costly. Here are some easy ways to introduce giving into your family’s routine and make it a cherished tradition!

1. Begin with Conversations About Giving

• Take time to sit down as a family and talk about the importance of giving back. Discuss why helping others matters and ask each family member what causes they feel drawn to. Letting everyone share their thoughts helps make it a meaningful decision and ensures the tradition is personal to your family.

2. Identify Causes Close to Your Heart

• Think about causes that resonate with your family. Whether it’s supporting those experiencing homelessness, helping children in need, caring for animals, or protecting the environment, choosing a cause that aligns with your family’s values and interests makes it easier to stay committed.

3. Start Small – Every Act of Kindness Counts!

• Giving back doesn’t have to be grand. It could be as simple as collecting canned goods for a local food bank, donating old toys, or writing encouraging notes to hospital patients or nursing home residents. Even small actions, when done together, can make a big impact and teach kids that they have the power to help others.

4. Make It a Part of Your Routine

• Consider setting aside a regular time to engage in giving activities. It could be once a month, every holiday season, or whenever you have a day off. Establishing a rhythm can turn these actions into a tradition that everyone looks forward to. The consistency will help kids understand that giving isn’t just a one-time event but a part of life.

5. Celebrate Birthdays or Holidays with Giving

• Incorporate giving into celebrations! For birthdays, consider asking guests to bring items to donate instead of gifts, or use a portion of the birthday budget to donate to a cause your child is passionate about. During the holidays, you might participate in toy drives, adopt-a-family programs, or deliver holiday meals to those in need.

6. Volunteer Together as a Family

• Volunteering as a family is a wonderful way to make memories and meet new people. Many organizations offer family-friendly volunteer opportunities that allow you to make a difference together. From serving meals to cleaning up local parks, spending a few hours volunteering can be eye-opening and fulfilling for the whole family.

7. Create a Family Giving Jar

• Set up a jar in your home where everyone can drop in spare change or small donations. You could even give kids small allowances and encourage them to set aside a portion to add to the jar. Once it’s full, let the family decide where to donate the money, creating a sense of pride in the collective contribution.

8. Reflect on the Impact Together

• After giving, take some time to reflect on the experience. Ask each family member how they felt about the activity and what they learned. If possible, share feedback from the organization or people you helped to show how your family’s efforts made a difference. This reflection makes the impact of giving more personal and encourages everyone to continue the tradition.

9. Encourage Creativity in Giving

• Let family members brainstorm unique ways to give back. Children might come up with creative ideas like making homemade cards for shelter residents or baking treats for neighbors. By allowing each family member to contribute their ideas, the tradition of giving can feel fresh and exciting each time.

10. Lead by Example

• As parents, grandparents, or guardians, showing a commitment to giving back through your own actions sets a powerful example. When kids see adults making kindness and generosity a priority, they’re more likely to carry these values into their own lives.

Start Your Family’s Giving Tradition Today!

• Starting a giving tradition doesn’t require a lot of time or resources—just a commitment to making kindness and compassion a part of your family’s legacy. The memories created and the values instilled will last a lifetime, shaping a culture of generosity in the next generation.

At the Love Moves Mountains Foundation, we believe that each act of giving, no matter how small, creates ripples of positive change. By bringing your family into this tradition, you’re nurturing a sense of gratitude and empathy that will impact not only your own lives but the lives of those around you.
​
Let’s start moving mountains, one family at a time!