Parenting Pointers: How to Instill a Sense of Giving and Budgeting in Kids

How many times have you bought your kids or your niece and nephew toys and they only play with them a few times then they’re tossed into a closet never to be seen — or played with — again. 

Kids’ toy or clothing frenzy occurs especially during the holiday season when they’re thinking about Santa Clause or Chanukah, and are constantly seeing advertisements on TV or online for must-have toys. I’m sure you’ve experienced begging from children to buy the new “must-have” toy of the year. 

Well, there’s a way to put a stop to these toy obsessions and cravings. The below printable from TurboTenant helps kids decide if they truly want or need specific toys or clothes. Not only does this help you declutter your home, but it teaches children to be cognizant of how much extra stuff they have, and pushes them to reconsider their consumerist mindset.

H2: The Donation Determiner Flowchart

We recommended introducing the donation determiner flowchart as part of a game instead of a task or chore. 

• To start, simply print out the flowchart and ask your child if they want to help you with a task. 

• Then, show them a pile of clothes or other household items you plan to donate. Tell your children that you plan to donate these items because you no longer wear or need them and that other families would love to have these items and give them a second life.

• Ask them if they’d be willing to go through some of their old clothes or toys. If they get defensive about their toys, perhaps phrase it like this, “Are there any toys that you feel you’re too big for now and are possibly for little kids?”

• Next, go ahead and give them the flowchart and walk them through the questions and process.

• Finally, begin going through your kid’s closet, drawers, or toy bin and have them run through the flowchart to determine if the toy or piece of clothing should be kept, donated, or trashed (or recycled).  

Not only will this printable and activity instill a sense of giving and donating to others. It might also help them realize that they don’t need every single toy or article of clothing. Especially if they only play with an item a couple of times or haven’t used it in over a year.

If you require donating a large number of items, such as slightly worn furniture or still-working appliances, check out this list of 10 charities that pick up donations for free. Many of these charities have locations throughout North America and you can easily schedule a donation pick up.