(from The New York Times, by Alina Tugend)

"A few years ago, a friend of my son's asked that, instead of getting him presents for his 11th birthday, guests donate to a certain charity. I asked my son if he would like to do something similar for his birthday.

He looked at me and said flatly, "No." He wanted the presents.

While I admired the birthday boy's initiative, I have to say I sympathized with my son. I like to give and get presents, too.

But like most parents, I also want my sons to evolve into caring citizens who are aware of and want to help others. It's not always easy to find the right way to do it - to walk the fine line between opening their eyes and guilt-tripping, between understanding the differences and needs of others and patronizing them.

But, as I started researching this, I discovered to my surprise that philanthropy – especially promoting it among children and young people – is suddenly a hot topic..."  Read full article.