The “giving season” is quickly approaching us. I say that somewhat sarcastically because I truly believe that giving should be a year-long affair – not just something focused on from Thanksgiving through Christmas but that’s another soapbox for another day 😉
Seriously, there is more focus on giving during the next few months. Especially to make the holiday seasons more bearable and enjoyable for those less fortunate than many of us – whether it’s financially, emotionally, and/or physically.
Teaching our children to be givers at an early age helps instill in them a behavior that will follow them through their lives.
First and foremost, we must not FORCE our children to give. This totally defeats the purpose. Making it a chore or punishment takes away the unselfishness and “feel good” feeling that should be associated with giving. By giving them options and engaging them in the giving process, you will get them excited about helping others.
Give to organizations they can relate to. For example, during Christmas, I have my children pick a child from our local Angel Tree that’s their age. They are given a budget to spend and shop based on items they would like to have but understand that there’s a child out there that they are helping to have a happy Christmas morning, too. (This is a two-fold lesson on giving and budgeting…win-win!)
Children learn patterns and behaviors by patterning themselves after the adults in their lives. Show your child how to give by being an active giver. Let them see you volunteering and giving back to your community.
Give thanks on a regular basis for what you have. Keep a family gratitude journal or establish a ritual of listing something you’re thankful for each day at dinner-time.
Find children’s books that teach about giving (my favorite is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Support local food and clothing drives by giving out of your closets or pantry with your children’s help.
These are just a few suggestions we try to implement in our household.
What traditions does your family have to include your children in the giving process?
Mama Luvs Books says
We work with a program called Champions for Kids and do a project almost monthly to help those in need! My kids have learned so much from us doing these!
Julia Potvin says
Great Post!! To many children get, and get but have no clue about giving. Makes for selfish grownups. Good for you!
Michelle Garrett says
Thank you for chiming in! Great start on getting them to begin early.
Michelle Garrett says
Definitely! Thanks for chiming in Tammi 🙂
Michelle Garrett says
That is awesome! What an awesome testament to you and the way you raised her. Way to go!
Michelle Garrett says
Thanks Sharon! Appreciate you chiming in!
Michelle Garrett says
Thanks for chiming in! Definitely an important life skill to teach them.
Michelle Garrett says
Way to go, Mommy 🙂
Michelle Garrett says
That's wonderful!!!
Michelle Garrett says
As parents, that's all we can do at any age, right? Thanks for chiming in!
AMBER EDWARDS says
Those are fantastic tips. I definitely agree you can't force your child to give. It really does defeat the purpose. I like to do the Angel trees with my kids We pick a child's name off the tree and have my kids help me pick something out and donate it. Then we talk about what we are doing and why. I think it really helped them.
jackiehennesse1 says
Such an inspiring post – thank you. We donate toys and clothing to a local organization every year, but I know the older my children get, the more involved they need to be.
jenny at dapperhouse says
This is a wonderful post for this time of year! Giving and finding ways to make a positive mark in the world is part of our everyday lives. I raised my children this way and my 22 year old daughter doesnt live at home and she lives her life doing random acts of kindness and service without even thinking about it and never thinking to tell a soul. God needs angels here on earth 🙂
Sharon Martin says
Lovely post, they learn so much from parents and if they see us giving it will become natural to them hopefully. x
Lindsey says
What a great post – and a great time with the Holidays coming up. My daughter is 2.5, not exactly the most giving age, so I'm trying to set a good example for her.
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
Great post, I need to focus on this with my daughter. Random acts of kindness as well, all great lessons to learn early in life. And, keep them in mind as you grow!
Erika Bragdon says
Great ideas. In this society of "me-me-me", I think it's more important than ever to teach our children to think of others who are less fortunate than us.
LisaLisa says
Great post, the greatest gift is giving to others. My children have been taught the same thing. It's a must do in our home (giving to help someone else)!
Ellen says
My kids are teenagers and I have involved both of them in helping at our local food shelf to give back. Such an important lesson to learn.