During the holiday season we are all flooded with the association of holidays with gifts and presents. Kids are no exception. They are making their lists and checking them twice! This holiday, think about a new gift to a child you love… teach them about the spirit of giving and charity!
Here are some tips from author Ellen Sabin on teaching kids to give back.
v Be a Good Role Model: Children are watching. If you’re encouraging them to make positive contributions to the community, then you need to let them see you doing the same. Spend time talking with children about your philanthropic work and explain why these activities are so important to you.
v Let Them Decide: Kids love to feel like they are in charge. Help them research different causes and programs that they could support by donating some of their allowance or volunteering. Let children look around their community and think of ways they can help others.
v Start Small: To a child, ending world hunger or finding a cure for a disease may seem abstract and beyond their impact. Start with causes closer to home – a neighbor who needs help in the yard or children in an area hospital who could use an uplifting card. When kids feel the direct impact of their actions, it reinforces their ability to make a difference in the world around them.
v Use Current Events: It’s very difficult to shield children from events covered by the media that have a negative impact on people and places in the world. You can use sad stories to make a positive impact by helping children understand the impact that caring individuals and organizations are making by giving their time, money and support.v Make it Fun and throw a party: Hands on experiences are always more fun and effective than conversation alone. Look for opportunities that will bring philanthropy to life for a child. During the holiday season with family and friends around, throw a “GIVING PARTY”. Check out the free “Parties with Purpose” guide (http://www.wateringcanpress.com/html/parents.html) that helps parents plan fun, themed parties that engage kids in giving and charity.
Just remember, the greatest gift you can give a child is encouraging them to be compassionate citizens that understand the power their actions have to help others and improve the world around them.
Ellen Sabin is the founder of Watering Can Press (www.wateringcanpress.com) and the author of The Giving Book, The Hero Book, The Special Needs Acceptance Book, The Autism Acceptance Book, The Healing Book, The Greening Book, and The Healthy Body Book. Her next book, coming soon, is The Nickels, Dimes, and Dollars Book: A Wise Kids Guide to Money Matter.