We all want our children to grow up healthy and successful. We also want our children to be grateful for what they have been given and have compassion for those who are in need. Teaching your children the spirit of giving, showing them the importance of thinking of others, and modeling kindness are important ways to help children grow into productive and loving members of our world.
Pay it forward. Small acts of kindness can help someone who is having a bad day see the good in the world and help us feel positive about ourselves. Model the following positive behaviors to your child any day of the year.
6. Leave a note on a stranger’s car wishing them a nice day.
7. When you pick up your morning coffee, pay for the person behind you in the drive-through.
8. Drive by the coveted parking space at the front of the store, and let someone who might appreciate it park there.
9. When you stop to pay a toll, throw in an extra dollar for the person in the car behind you. Or, add loose change to someone's expired parking meter.
10. Offer to bag your own groceries when the cashier is working alone.
Volunteer. Teach your child how to give by giving something priceless—time and energy.
11. Volunteer to help in your child’s classroom or to chaperone a school field trip. If you can’t help during the day, offer to help with projects you can work on at home.
12. Bring the whole family to your church or spiritual center for service and cleanup days.
13. Volunteer to deliver items or staff the pick-up booth for sports and civic groups in which your child is involved.
Donate. Giving away unused and gently used items is a great no-cost way to show your child how to help someone in need. In addition, helping to meet life-saving needs will show your child that we are all important and connected.
17. Donate clothing that no longer fits your child to local organizations or clothing banks. Drop boxes are now available in many convenient locations, such as grocery store parking lots and along town roads.
18. Give old blankets to your local pet shelter. Donate unopened pet supplies, such as pet food, cat litter, training pads, and other necessary pet items.
19. Send your child to school with an extra set of some school supplies, such as pens, pencils, folders, or paper. Leave a note letting your child’s teacher know the supplies are for anyone who can use them.
20. Give blood and consider becoming a bone marrow donor.
Give. You don’t have to give much, but monetary donations are always needed. Give when and if you can.
21. As a family, pick a cause or charity to which you are interested in giving.
22. Give your child a three-part piggy bank—one section for saving, one for spending, and one for donating. Let your child decide to which charity or cause they would like to donate money to.
23. In lieu of a gift, give to the favorite charity of a person close to you or in memory of someone special.
24. Organize a bake sale or lemonade stand with your kids and give your proceeds to a charity.
Visit this link for more tips on parenting during the Holidays.
