The Giving Glow: Why Kids Should Give

Updated March 25, 2023

If your kids are like ours, their holiday lists usually multiply by the minute the closer the holidays get. When a festive season draws near, their focus can sometimes get a little heavy on the “getting” and a little light on the “giving.” It’s time to shift gears.

Why giving is important

The research on giving is clear: kids gain even more when they give. Children who give to others have a better sense of well-being, more acceptance among peers and even higher academic achievement. They have deeper empathy for the experiences of others and a solid sense of purpose in the greater world around them. Kids who give see firsthand how small changes can have big impacts on the lives of others.

The Giving Glow is real

According to a study by the National Institute of Health, that warm and fuzzy feeling we get from giving is a neurological response to helping others. Brain imaging proves the “warm glow” that results from giving is real.

Voluntary giving activates pleasure-related centers deep in the brain, and ignites happy feelings similar to that post-run euphoria or mid-cake high. The same brain areas that react to pleasurable feelings, trust, and social connection are fired up by meaningful giving.

Additionally, giving to others releases endorphins (and we all know, “endorphins make you happy!”) that result in the “helper’s high.” Beyond the happy hormonal bump, giving improves physical health and even increases longevity. Are we convinced yet?

Enable giving opportunities for your child

So while kids are kept busy with soccer games, piano lessons, swim practices and chess club, it’s our job as parents to make time for what really counts. By allowing kids the opportunity to give, they will be happier, have stronger social connections and inspire generosity in those around them.

There’s no doubt that Winston Churchill had it right when he said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” When we get our little givers giving, we can make our lives, the lives of our children, and the lives of those around us, richer in every way.

Ready to get going? Here’s our guide on how to get your kids to give back. Enjoy!

What are some ways that we can help those in need as a family? How does it make you feel when you give to others?