Raising Charitable Children [Hardcover]

Carol Weisman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2006

Getting Past Gimme-Gimme: How to Raise Charitable Children How many times have we heard ourselves, our friends, or our kids' grandparents complain that children have too many things and don't appreciate any of it? We all enjoy doing things for children - buying them something special, taking them on a fun outing, throwing a great birthday party. But at the same time, many of us fear that without some balance, most children will grow up thinking only of themselves. This observation is what led Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, MOM, to write "Raising Charitable Children." In this book, Weisman shares real-life stories collected from allover the world of how parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, scout leaders, friends, next door neighbors, and her own family have either initiated or supported ways to teach children how to give back to those in need. But she doesn't stop there. After each of the stories, Weisman offers specific steps to help anyone translate these ideas into action. In this way, she turns what might have been just a lot of wonderful stories into a set of practical maps or models anyone can use to start making a difference now. In her own family, Weisman and her husband started a family tradition whereby they and their sons (starting when they were just four and six) made a small donation to a program or charity of choice on their birthday. This was not in lieu of a party or gifts but in addition to them. In another section, Weisman talks about a grandmother of three who, when asked what she wanted for her birthday, told her grandchildren to "Do something for someone else, draw a picture of what you did, and then tell me the story. " Scout troops, religious groups, and others will like Weisman's suggestions for volunteering--whether as a one-time event or an ongoing project. Volunteer vacations are becoming increasingly popular for families and a myriad of options are listed in the book's Resource section. These are just a sampling what Weisman covers in this book. Packed with ideas and activities that are easy and enjoyable, "Raising Charitable Children" provides lots of tips for sharing the gifts of generosity, selflessness and compassion with the children of all ages and from all backgrounds. Adults, who might have little time or money or have a lot of both, and who want to make a difference in a child's life, will welcome this advice. "Raising Charitable Children" will help instill cherished values, and will possibly create a new family tradition or two. And what Weisman hears over and over when people share with her how they have tried to make a difference is, "I'm the one who has benefited from this the most."

Editorial Reviews

Review

Raising Charitable Children shows how children can be taught about philanthropy, shaping how they approach giving as adults. --M.J. Prest, The Chronical of Philanthropy, April 6, 2006

About the Author

Carol Weisman, president of Board Builders, is an internationally known speaker, author, trainer and consultant who specializes in volunteerism, fund raising and governance. She has worked with a wide range of clients. She has served on 28 boards and has been president of 7. Carol has published extensively on governance and volunteerism and is the author of "Secrets of Successful Boards: The Best from the Nonprofit Pros" "Build a Better Board in 30 Days: A guide for Busy Trustees", "Secrets of Successful Retreats" and "Secrets of Successful Fundraising," which is the first nonprofit management book ever to be selected by The Book of the Month Club. She is working on "Raising Charitable Children: Kids Who Give as Good as They Get." Carol won a Telly Award for her PBS special "Building a Board with a Passion for Mission." She is still trying to figure out how to mount her award on her car.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: F.E. Robbins & Sons Press (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976797208
• ISBN-13: 978-0976797203
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #240,500 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm Giving This Book to Every Family I Know ... Even w/o Kids, June 27, 2006

By 

Kelly Regnier "work in progress" (St. Louis, MO, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Raising Charitable Children (Hardcover)

I found this book so funny, so frank and so refreshing. Lots of great, practical ideas, not just about what to do in terms of charity and volunteering but about why and how to do it and how to involve your kids in meaningful ways. The author doesn't suggest you have to go about this charity thing HER way; instead, she helps you discover YOUR way. I liked that.
There was a lot competing with Carol Weisman's book for my attention when I bought it -- several books already on the nightstand -- but once I picked up RAISING CHARITABLE CHILDREN, I couldn't put it down (an easy, meaty read)... and my youngest is almost 20 years old, so it's not like I'm doing a lot of hands-on parenting anymore.
I started reading with a bit of a chip on my shoulder -- I felt I had done a lot of things "right" in raising my own charitable child and wondered if the author would disagree. As I read, I felt both validated but also motivated to take some additional steps, even at this late stage in my parenting.
Already, this book has changed the way my family celebrates birthdays, thanks to the "Grandma's Birthday Gift" chapter, and it will change the way we support our favorite causes from here on out. Look out, future grandkids!
I'm sending copies to everyone I know who has a baby. Beyond that, I believe every teacher, every pastor, every coach, every CEO should apply the lessons from this book -- its wisdom is so adaptable. In a mere 125 pages, Carol Weisman captures the most important keys to making our world kinder, more civilized and a heck of a lot more fun.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Raising responsible, generous, kind, loving, happy and charitable children! How-To, September 8, 2006

By 

Laurie E. Lentz-marino "lelentzm" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Raising Charitable Children (Hardcover)

Carol Weisman's book is genius. It's fun and quick to read and you are left feeling you now have a more positive direction in which to live out the rest of your life. The 'resources' list at the end of the book is great. Even if your children are teenagers or already grown this book is a spiritual boost. There are no 'do-overs', but our culture can use more enlightened individuals of any age and stage in life- which is what you'll be after you have quickly absorbed what she has to teach you. I have had the great good fortune of hearing Carol Weisman speak. She is as genuine and wise in the flesh as she is on the page. You want to incorporate her sage and practical advice into your life. I have also met her sons. They are as she portrays them.........responsible, generous, funny, loving, kind, happy, thoughtful and philanthropic.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Quick Read, a Good Idea or Two, but Otherwise Not a Lot of Substance, January 13, 2011

By 

H. Laack - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Raising Charitable Children (Hardcover)

If you have not yourself been involved in reaching out to others through volunteering and giving financially but want to encourage your children in these areas, Weisman's book would be a good idea starter. Her information is sound, her intentions are good, and the very brief text is clear and well-supplied with some thoughts on where to begin.

Beyond these high and noble intentions, however, there isn't a lot here, and I would highly recommend checking the book out of the library rather than buying it. Then give the $15 you'll save to a worthwhile cause. Better yet, involve your children in finding out how what that $15 will buy when given to a favorite charity.