Generosity. What does it mean to you? Defined as “the habit of giving without expecting anything in return”, it can involve offering time, assets or talents to help someone in need. However, through the years, the word “generosity” has often been equated with charity as a virtue; that is, a generous person is someone who donates monetary aid. When one states, “He’s so generous!” it’s quite natural to immediately assume the tone of the statement somehow involves a generous donation, offering or financial contribution.
Yet generosity encompasses so, so much more, and Canadian parents are in overwhelming agreement that raising caring and generous children is one of their top priorities. Of course, one of the easiest ways to instill a behaviour in our children is simply to model it ourselves. A Minute Maid Moments poll conducted earlier this year showed that more than half of parents demonstrate generosity through spontaneous good deeds such as shoveling a neighbours’ driveway, holding the door for a stranger, or giving gifts to friends and family including homemade art and baked goods.
This is the true definition of generosity; giving a piece of your time and talents to make a difference.
The poll also shows that an overwhelmingly high number (83 per cent) of parents want their children to show generosity, including:
• Random acts of kindness, like writing friendly surprise notes for friends and family (77 per cent)
• Offering to help neighbours in simple ways, such as carrying groceries (67 per cent)
• Acknowledging their friends /family birthdays with gestures like a phone call or handwritten card (53 per cent)
• Making gifts for others, including baked treats and homemade crafts (43 per cent)
I want my boys to be generous. I want them to be in the habit of giving without expectations and living without regrets. I want them to be thankful for their talents and mindful of their shortcomings. But most of all –
I want my children to be generous with their time. I want them to realize that life is nothing without meaningful connections, and those connections can only be made when they give their time, and themselves, freely to others.
I want my children to be generous with their thoughts. Jealousy, contempt and other negative thoughts are detrimental to their well being and the well being of others. Being thoughtful and acknowledging that there is good and beauty in everyone is one of the easiest ways to build positive relationships.
I want my children to be generous with their words. Often, a simple compliment or word of encouragement can turn around someone’s day – or perspective. Telling someone you appreciate them is one of the easiest – and most effective – random acts of kindness.
I want my children to be generous with their hearts. Empathy, love, forgiveness and compassion all come from within. I want my boys to wear their hearts on their sleeves; to be open and proud of their love for people, places and things. And when they fall in love, I want them to be generous and kind with the heart that is given to them.
Today, I’m proud to partner with Minute Maid, who wants to help Canadian parents with fun, new ways to teach generosity. Minute Maid has developed recipes that are perfect for gifting; from tropical share squares to carrot cake bars, these recipes are sure to bring a smile to neighbours’, friends and family members’ faces, while also giving parents one more tool they can use to instill goodness – one moment at a time.
Tropical Share Squares
2-1/2 cups quick-cooking (not instant) rolled oats
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
Pinch salt
1 cup cold butter, cubed
Filling:
3 cups frozen mixed tropical/summer fruit (such as mango, peach and strawberry)
1/2 cup chilled Minute Maid Mango
1/3 cup granulated sugar
4 tsp cornstarch
Filling: In saucepan, bring fruit, chilled Minute Maid Mango and sugar to boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until fruit is tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and mash with potato masher or fork until just a few small chunks remain. Return to high heat and bring to boil.
In small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tbsp water until smooth; stir into fruit mixture. Boil, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 1 minute. Transfer to bowl; place plastic wrap directly on surface. Refrigerate 1 hour.
Meanwhile, in large bowl, whisk together oats, flour, sugar and salt. Using pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Firmly press half of the oat mixture into bottom of parchment paper–lined 8-inch square pan. Top with fruit filling, spreading to coat. Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture, pressing lightly.
Bake in 350°F oven until light golden, about 45 minutes. Let cool completely in pan on rack. Cut into squares.
The boys have decided to share their Tropical Share Squares with grandma, because in Ryder’s words – “She’s a sweet friend and I love her.” How do you encourage your children to be generous?
For more delicious recipes that are perfect for gift-giving or sharing, visit Minute Maid.
Great post :) VERY much something that should be taught, especially from a young age..
This is also a very “Canadian” thing apparently – from what others who travel often have said, Canadians are par to none with their friendliness and willingness to give back to others.. Which I love :)
Thank you Soozle :) And I agree – we Canadians are something special!
Love this post! Although you defined generosity as giving without expecting anything in return, I have encouraged my girls to be generous (especially with each other!) by seeing the happiness that being generous brings to the other person. Although they’re not getting anything tangible in return, making someone else feel good has the amazing ability to make the giver feel pretty darn good too.
I adore your definition Yash! I agree – seeing someone smile in happiness is the best feeling!
Love this post. I encourage my son to be generous by the way of actions speak louder than words. Helping out others, and sharing.
Sounds like you’re teaching your son wonderful lessons :)
I always tried to teach my girls compassion for others and watching them grow up they succeeded very proud of them. recipe looks delish
I think you have so much to be proud of Chandra!
Such a meaningful post! I love performing random acts of kindness and find I do it out of selfishness really. I always feel so good after helping another person with even the tiniest of things or actions!
You are wonderful, Anne. Thanks for chiming in!
Absolutely the best definitions of generosity I have read ;) These things are way more valuable than money or possessions and is something all parents (and grandparents) should try to live by and teach their children (grandchildren). “Live by example”.
Love you and your blog Lena !!!
Thank you so much, Flora! And I just know you are a wonderful grandmother!
I really hope that everyone teaches their kids to be generous. I think many of the problems in the world today could be solved if we all weren’t so selfish!
Hear, hear Susan!
Great recipe & great message!
Thanks Mary!
Great post, one that a lot of people should read! Going to try the recipe out too!
Thank you so much, Judy. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
It’s nice that Minute Maid is helping to teach families to be generous and I am so going to make those bars they sound so good! I was brought up to respect and be polite and obey your elders and I instilled the same onto my girls, but it is sad that most of the youth now a days have none of that, they are rude and ignorant, especially in my home town, I use a cane to walk and they all hover around the doorways of the shopping centre smoking and swearing and a lot of name calling, It would be so nice if everyone showed acts of generousity! loved this post!!
Oh Lynda, I know exactly what you mean! I have a tendon injury and have been using a cane, and a car honked me when I took too long to cross an intersection, ha! I’m so happy you loved the post.
Moments to charish….life is good.
I agree :)
I neglected to mention that I love the recipe in this post.. mouthwatering.
The Tropical Share Squares are soooo good! A must try, Jaime!
This post pulls at my heartstrings in just the right way. What a talented writer you are! Minute Maid has my respect for partnering with you, couldn’t have picked a better blogger.
Thank you Matty, so kind of you to say!
Those Share Bars look amazing! And your boys are adorable. Happy to hear you’re raising them to be generous individuals (I like your definition by the way).
Thank you Jolee – please do try the Share Squares! They’re divine!
I am so touched by this post Lena – makes me want to read it over and over again. Also, I’m glad that you are encouraging your boys to be generous and kind towards others. Love your recipe for the Tropical Share Squares.
Thank you so much Marissa – I really enjoyed writing it :)
Very uplifting post Lena, having dealt with some ignorance in the past few days… this is a beautiful thing for our world
Thank you.
Thank you Darlene – hoping all is better now :)
I agree….kids need to learn these things when they are little. Love the photos of your boys….they are so precious!
Thank you so much Sarah!
I love that first picture of your boys!! I taught Sara generosity through reading and children learn what they see in their parents…I think that I tried to set a good example.
I think you set an excellent example :) Thanks Teresa!
This is a beautifully written post about great values and it put a smile on my face.
Thank you Victoria :)
Beautiful post, I have been honoured to be on the receiving end of your generosity. :) You do set a great example for your children.
I appreciate you Rossana :)
This is such a sweet post. Good for Minute Maid for focusing on characteristics :)
I agree! Thank you :)
these bars look so good.
They’re so yummy Rick!
Being generous is a wonderful trait to pick up. Lead by example and sharing is caring are awesome things to teach kids.
Couldn’t agree more Melinda!
As the eldest of four, it was I who had to share with my younger siblings. Sometimes begrudgingly but most times with love.
:) I’m sure you set a great example.
I agree that generosity through the heart is most important and often most remembered by the receivers.
Yes, absolutely Stephanie :)
I love to show my love and appreciation through baking. Thanks for the recipes.
Growing up i was taught giving is better than receiving,what you do good in life comes back to you.
These squares look amazingly delicious