Please note: this is a different kind of post for me, but I have something that is heavy on my heart and would like to share this. I am open to comments and discussion and opposing views.

When my kids needed to contribute money to sports programs or National Honor Society or any other club they belonged to, they were required (by the school and parents) to EARN the money. They sold candy bars and cookie dough and had car washes in parking lots.

I know times have changed and you just can’t send your kids out door-to-door selling candy bars or cookie dough these days, but can’t an adult go with them? This is what I am seeing today: Kids standing on street corners (yes—dangerous, busy street corners!) or in front of local grocery stores with a bucket and sign and that says, “Please Make a Donation to our Band” (or sports team or drama club or camping trip). Let me add that an adult is always nearby.

What are we teaching our children? I believe this method of raising money teaches our children to beg. It teaches them that other people are responsible to meet their needs. It teaches them to expect a handout from society if they want something they cannot afford. It teaches them to be lazy. Yes—lazy. Standing or sitting at the door of a grocery store holding a bucket and a sign takes very little energy. Why are we not teaching our children to work for the money they need to raise? Isn’t there greater satisfaction in earning the money than begging for it?

A few months ago,a group of young teens and an adult supervisor were having a car wash in a parking lot where I happened to be. I didn’t really need my car washed, and when I do, I can get a good one for about seven dollars. But I was so proud of these kids who were not only willing to work, but also having a blast while working as a team. I gave Mom the keys and let them wash my car while I got a few groceries. When I returned to my washed car,I was happy to drop $20 into the bucket to help their cause. That’s how it should be done!

When did begging for money become the new way for kids to raise funds?

Crystal Bowman