Giving Your Child a Competitive Edge
The Surprising Power of a Philanthropic Mindset
By Samantha Pillay
As parents, we all want to raise children who are not only kind and compassionate but also resilient, capable, and successful. We sign them up for sports to teach teamwork, music lessons to foster discipline, and coding classes to prepare them for the future. But what if one of the most powerful tools for building a successful and fulfilling life has been overlooked? What if the key lies in teaching them the joy of giving?
This very idea is the heartbeat behind my new children’s picture book, When I’m Santa’s CEO: Dreaming is Believing: Giving - Inspiring Philanthropy. I wrote this book to reframe philanthropy not as a simple act of charity, but as a dynamic and powerful form of leadership that every child can learn. It’s about showing children, especially young girls, that they can be the architects of a kinder, more connected world.
The Science of Generosity: It’s Not Just Nice, It’s Natural
We often think of generosity as a trait we must painstakingly instill in our children, but science tells us a different story. It's actually part of our nature. Did you know that research from the University of British Columbia found that toddlers under the age of two are genuinely happier when giving treats to others than when receiving them?
This innate joy is what neurologists call the "helper's high". When we give, our brains release feel-good chemicals that boost our own sense of well-being. By encouraging our children to give, we aren't just teaching them a moral lesson; we are connecting them with a powerful and intrinsic source of their own happiness. My book aims to capture this joy, showing the young protagonist leading a global effort to spread not just presents, but a ripple of generosity.
The Generosity Advantage: Why Givers Succeed
In a world that often seems to reward relentless ambition, the idea that giving can lead to success might seem counterintuitive. Yet, groundbreaking research from institutions like Wharton and Harvard has shown a clear link between generosity and success. People who consistently give of their time, knowledge, and resources tend to be happier, healthier, and yes, even wealthier.
Why? Because giving teaches indispensable life skills:
• Leadership and Influence: Philanthropy teaches children how to mobilize others and make a tangible impact, creating "ripples of change".
• Networking: Building a "network of support" and strengthening communities are natural outcomes of giving, opening doors to future opportunities.
• Financial Literacy: Understanding how to allocate resources to create positive outcomes is a crucial skill for any future leader.
Raising a child who wants to have plenty to give others drives them to be successful so they can make that impact. That is the ultimate competitive edge.
The CEO at the Reins
When you picture a powerful philanthropist, who comes to mind? For many, it's an older man. This is a stereotype I am passionate about changing.
The statistics show a different reality. The Women’s Philanthropy Institute confirms that women across all income levels are more likely to give to charity than men. Furthermore, we are in the midst of a “Great Wealth Transfer,” with women projected to control a majority of private wealth in the coming decades. The world needs to see women, and young girls, as leaders in generosity.
This is why the protagonist of When I'm Santa's CEO is a young, ambitious girl. As I wrote in the book's Author's Note, placing a girl in the CEO role beside Santa reinforces that girls can lead with both kindness and capability. It’s a message to every child that their vision and compassion are their greatest strengths.
My Hope for This Book
When I'm Santa's CEO is more than a Christmas story. It’s a conversation starter and a tool for parents who want to raise the next generation of changemakers.
My hope is that this book helps families redefine what it means to give. That it inspires them to volunteer at a dog shelter, sing at a nursing home, or simply offer comfort to those in need. I hope it sparks a belief in children that they have the power to create a "cycle of kindness" and leave a legacy of positive change.
Let’s raise children who don’t just dream of success but dream of significance. Because when children see someone like them making a difference, it sparks the belief that they can, too.
Join me on this journey. You can start the conversation with your family right away:
• Pre-order the ebook today to be the first to read the story on launch day.
• Want to hold the book in your hands? The paperback and hardcover are coming very soon! Join my newsletter to be the first to know the moment they are available.