Macaroni KID Roanoke was recently asked by Kimberly McBroom, WDBJ7, to share ideas for teaching kids about giving during the holidays. When children learn to give they develop an understanding of others needs and feelings and develop compassion and empathy for various challenges others face. In addition to cultivating gratitude towards their own lives and building social responsibility in their community and world.
Here are a few ideas for teaching your children to give.
Weave giving into your family's existing traditions.
During the holidays you likely have traditions you already practice. For example, a daily advent calendar. When my children were younger, in addition to reading our Advent storybook, our advent calendar consisted of something we did together daily. Some days it was hot cocoa and a Christmas movie and others were acts of service for others. We made holiday cards and then on another day, delivered them to nursing homes. We baked goodies and delivered them to the fire department and rescue squad. If you're an Elf on the Shelf family, you may enjoy these Kindness Elf ideas. If driving around and looking at lights is on your list, consider asking an elderly neighbor to join you, or if they'd like to join you to play a game, watch a movie, or go to a church service. Giving of your time is one of your most precious gifts.
Consider giving based on something your family is passionate about.
If your family loves pets, delivering wishlist items for Angels of Assisi or the RVSPCA would probably be something your kids would love to be a part of. If your kids are old enough, you may be able to volunteer to help walk the dogs.
Perhaps you have a heart for seniors or foster children. There are many trees around the valley where you can adopt an Angel, Senior, Foster Child, or pet.
If reading together is a special time for your family, or if it's just time to update the bookshelf, clear out old books and donate them to Little Free Libraries or CHIP. Write little notes of love and inspiration inside.
If you have a heart for the unsheltered, creating blessing bags, or hanging scarves, hats, mittens in city parks, can be a sweet family activity.
Other organizations you may resonate with:
Huddle Up Moms, Through their Support Shop, they donate much needed formula, diapers, and other supplies for pregnant and new moms. The Ronald Mcdonald house has a simple wish list as well.
Share ways to give that help members of our community who are facing challenges.
During this season there are many ways to show your children how giving directly helps other families in our community. Every time you visit the grocery store, you will see a Salvation Army bell ringer. Help your child donate a little piggy bank change and share with them how this helps homeless children in our community and helps some get toys that may not otherwise get them.
If you donate to a food drive or pantry, you can use this time to educate your children about food desserts. You could show them the new Market on Melrose and explain how important it is that the market was placed in that area for those who may lack transportation to be able to eat nutritious food. Another way to give to others through food is to prepare a meal for someone in need through Lasagna Love.
The holidays are a great time to be intentional about teaching your children about situations members of our community are facing to encourage compassion and kindness.
Check out the segment with Kimberly McBroom here:
