Participating in And One to Grow On (AOGO) is a great way for children to develop a deeper understanding of the values of charity, empathy and selflessness. But anyone familiar with the vocabulary of the typical two-year old, with its emphasis on the word "mine" and the prevalence of the phrase "I want," knows that getting children excited about charity can be tricky.

Rest assured, most children - even very young children - have a unique capacity for grasping certain "grown up" issues, including sharing and caring. It's all in how you present the information. Here's some suggestions for talking to children about participating in AOGO.
As a parent, you play a central role in making the most of the learning opportunity that AAOGO n presents. Try these approaches to integrate charity into your children's birthday celebrations. Through the years, you'll find that charitable giving will become just another happy birthday tradition in your family, like cake and ice cream and party favors!

"Do as I Do" - Model the Behavior. Being a good role model is the most effective way to help your child recognize the emotional benefits of charitable giving. If you make a contribution to a charitable organization, tell your child about the mission of that organization and explain your interest in helping. Better yet, make charitable giving a regular part of your birthday celebration. Through your actions, you can show your child that charity is an important and enjoyable activity.

Try the Soft Sell. Suggest to your children that it would be nice to share a present with a child who may not receive a birthday present. If you anticipate significant resistance - but you believe strongly in this program - don't ask your children for their permission to participate, but explain to them that together you will set aside a gift for a child in need.

Make It Real. Many children have never been exposed to a family in need, so offer your children meaningful information by way of stories or anecdotes that they can relate to. For younger children, try explaining that some parents may not have enough money to buy birthday presents for their children. Consider using the events of September 11, 2001, or news of job layoffs as a way to explain to older children about families in need.

Provide Positive Reinforcement. Everyone likes to be told they're doing the right thing. Offer positive reinforcement to children who donate presents by emphasizing the happiness this generosity will bring to children in need.

Remember, Birthdays are Supposed to Be Fun. Do not force your children to participate in And One to Grow On if they are unwilling. This will only result in bad feelings all around and the learning opportunity will be lost. Rather, seek ways to empower your children to make the right decisions on their own.