You’re in the top 1%. Are your kids grateful?

If you’re reading this newsletter, you are among the blessed. Not just because you’re part of the Parint community, but because you’re a successful professional, likely in the top 1% of the economy.

Your kids have food on the table, clothes on their backs, and access to education. But how can you ensure they’re aware of their privilege without becoming entitled?

Today, let's explore how you can teach your kids the joy of giving back.

Story time: Peeling potatoes with a purpose

Some of my earliest memories giving back are at the Sikh temple that my family attended.

The temple, a place where everyone is welcome regardless of background, serves a free community meal known as "langar" every Sunday.

Volunteers from the community prep and cook the food each week for thousands of attendees.

My job was to peel potatoes, hundreds of potatoes. I remember my hands hurting. After, I remember feeling proud seeing everyone enjoy the food I helped prepare. I might have been too young to grasp the whole picture, but I felt the joy of contributing. It was a lesson in empathy and community service that’s stayed with me.

Lesson Learned: Giving isn’t just about what you do; it’s about how it makes you feel. Kids learn best by doing, so let’s get them involved in meaningful ways.

The why and how of giving back

Giving back is more than just a noble act. Research shows that children who engage in community service are more likely to thrive. They tend to be healthier, more empathetic, and less likely to develop behavioral problems.

How to start

Building a habit of giving doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are simple, impactful ways to make generosity a part of your family life:

Be the role model

Your kids learn from your actions. Holding doors open, donating to those in need, or helping a neighbor are simple acts of kindness that kids will emulate.

Create a giving ritual

Make giving a regular family activity. Perhaps every month, you could choose a cause to support or a volunteer activity to participate in.

Talk about it

Discuss the importance of giving back and share your own stories. Use books and movies to illustrate the need in the world and how they can help. Here are some great options to get started:

Quick and impactful ways to give back

Nothing beats real-world experiences to connect the dots between need, service, and impact. I know you’re busy, so here’s how your family can start giving back with minimal time commitment:

For creators: Create art for seniors or troops and mail it to Color a Smile. Or, drop off handmade cards at a local hospital or nursing home to bring a smile to someone's face.

For builders: Assemble care packages with essential items for the homeless and keep a few in your car to distribute when you see someone in need. Consider also organizing a neighborhood drive to collect items for donation.

For outdoor enthusiasts: Spend a day cleaning up a favorite park or beach. Bring gloves, garbage bags, and a grabber to make the task easier and more fun.

For little entrepreneurs: Host a lemonade stand or bake sale, and donate a portion of the proceeds to a cause they care about. This teaches the importance of sharing their success.

By teaching your kids to give back, you’re not only helping your community but also instilling lifelong values of empathy, kindness, and gratitude. Let’s raise a generation that’s as generous as they are successful!