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Teaching Our Children To Be Givers

Thursday, December 01, 2011

‘Tis the season where children are looking through toy catalogs and making out their gift lists and the commercials are full of the new “must have” toys.  Does it seem like the message is “the one with the most gifts wins”?  

It doesn’t have to be this way.  With so many struggling to make ends meet, this is a perfect time to teach our kids the gift of giving.  

Here are some tips to help your family come together and make a difference this year.



1)    Volunteer your time.  Contact Metropolitan Ministries or another local homeless shelter that serves food and find out how to volunteer.    Many people go without a meal during times where we are having a holiday feast.  


2)    Give a gift.  While our little ones are making out their lists, remind them that there are some children that would be happy with just one gift this year.  Have your kids pick one gift off their list and donate it to a children’s organization, like Toys for Tots or the Make a Wish Foundation.


3)    Help the elders.  Maybe there’s an elderly neighbor that can no longer wash their car or rake the yard.  Or consider visiting seniors in a nursing home.  Bring in Christmas cards and cookies and spend some time getting to know them.  


4)    Help for animals in shelters.  During shopping trips, pick up some cat or dog food and take it to the local Humane Society.  Or see if your family can volunteer to walk dogs.  Other needs are towels and newspapers.  



By volunteering and learning to give back, children also learn responsibility, leadership and having a caring spirit.

What other ways have you found to teach our kids to give? 
 

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