Raising Charitable Children (Hardcover)

~ Carol Weisman (Author) "When I heard my youngest son say his first word "Donalds," short for McDonald'sI knew I was in trouble..." (more)
Key Phrases: Mary Alice, The Big Question, Pastor Rachel (more...)

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

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

Product Description

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."

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: F.E. Robbins & Sons Press (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976767201
• ISBN-13: 978-0976797203
• ASIN: 0976797208
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #303,701 in Books (See Bestsellers 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)

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)

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.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Raising Charitable Children., July 10, 2006

By	Barbara Dressel (St Louis, MO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I wanted to let you know that I enjoyed reading your book, "Raising Charitable Children". The reading is easy and the examples of using your family gives it the right touch. I am sending a copy to each daughter. I know they will enjoy the book as well. I have told them about the book and
they are very anxious to read it. It is inspiring and so easy to use your suggestions. For those of us in the non profit world, your book will help us considerably. Thanks for writing so creatively and inspiring our young adults!