How to Teach Your Children to Be More Giving Over the Holidays

It seems every year as the Holidays roll around, most children end up with a case of the "give me"s. They become preoccupied with Holiday lists and making sure those around them know exactly what gifts they want. Teaching children to give is an important and never-ending lesson, and the Holidays are the perfect time to start!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Explain the reason for the holiday, whether your belief is religious or not. Children should understand that the holidays are about good will toward others and peace, not just about gifts and receiving. Understanding that can help a child want to give, both over the holidays and throughout the year.

2. Let your children see you giving over the holidays, both to charities and to those around you. Learning that it is better to give than to receive is a tough lesson for most children. If they are witness to it often, the idea will be more easily learned.

3. Have your child help purchase a gift for a child from the Angel Tree or similar charitable entity in your area. Children will begin to understand how blessed they are and that other children are in need.

4. If your child is old enough, go as a family to a soup kitchen or shelter to volunteer some time over the holidays. It is likely that after the experience your child will have renewed appreciation for all he or she already has.

5. After unwrapping all of the new gifts, have each child go through their old toys and donate the same number as the new toys they have gotten. A good rule to set is one new toy in means one old toy out. This will teach a child about making choices, giving to others and will help prevent your child’s room or playroom from becoming overcrowded with toys.

[uminalisa]

on 5/25/2009 Most people donate around the holidays...we need to help year round.