Charitable Giving

[GravyAndShite]

I'm so proud of DD6, who with my and DH support has been splitting her pocket money this year 10% charity, 40%saving and 50% free spending.

Today I talked to her about buying some Christmas toys with it for other children who aren't as fortunate as we have been (which isn't hugely fortunate, but I see our standard of living is better than some ATM).

She was beautifully honest with me, but what she left me almost speechless. She said she was having a hard time wanting to spend it on other people because she wanted it for herself. She wasn't grabby or unkind, she just explained her feelings.

I gave her a hug, and thanked her for being honest about her feelings. I told her I didn't quite know what to say to that and that we could talk about it again later.

Help! Technically it's her money, but we chose an allowance amount that would give her an appropriate amount of weekly spending money and still have enough left over for the savings and charity.

We wanted to create a habit, not force her to donate or be charitable. How can I encourage her to think of others without forcing it?