Get Your Kids Involved in Giving

Heading into the holidays, most kids get wired about the endless gift possibilities. Whatever your religion, tradition or customs are at this time of year, there’s a high probability it involves presents in some capacity. As a parent it’s also easy (and lets face it FUN) to get caught up in the gifts and surprises too. But let’s not forget the reason for the season, which also tends to be heavily weighted on helping those less fortunate. It’s a perfect time to turn the focus from getting to giving. Along with the sharing and the compassion can grow acceptance and tolerance for others, and ultimately, gratefulness for all their abundances.

-With the recent devastation by Hurricane Sandy there is (unfortunately) a multitude of ways to get your kids involved in helping out. They can help collect or purchase supplies, deliver or sort them or even go down to the front lines to help hand out supplies or clean up.

-Working at a local Food Bank or in a Food Pantry during the holidays can help your child appreciate just how lucky they are to be able to enjoy a meal with family.

-My daughter’s’ Girl Scout group plans a trip every December to a local Senior home. The girls bring cider and cookies, help decorate their tree and sing and play carols on the piano.

-Participating in any of the Holiday charities such as Santa’s Anonymous or Toys for Tots will make children grateful for the toys and gifts they receive. It can be as simple as having them choose a toy, to paying for a toy with money they’ve earned through chores or in some cases they can get involved with the actual delivery of gifts to the families in need.

There are so many opportunities to expose kids to others less fortunate and allow them the chance to give back to their community and maybe, just maybe realize and be grateful for just how lucky and blessed they truly are.

Read on for more tips on how to encourage gratitude in your kids.