We always remind our children how blessed they are. And as my father-in-law always reminds us, “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Thanksgiving is the time of year where we can encourage our children to give by either donating their gently used toys or buying new items for a deserving family. Giving helps foster an attitude of gratitude during a time of year when they are use to receiving. It also helps parents raise good community citizens.
While we get ready for the busy holiday season, take a little time out with kids and give to others. Here are three simple ways that we do this with our kids.
Three Ways to Encourage Children To Give
1. Declutter then donate. My children have been donating gently used or worn items for several years now. We started this tradition early on when Oldest was around four or five-years-old. He had so much STUFF. For starters, we had Thomas the Tank Engine tracks and engines in every nook and cranny of our house. Then we had all the other toys that went unused. It was time to declutter and find a better home for what was not used. We spoke to him about children in our community that didn’t have toys, shoes, beds, or even food. And although he was a little reluctant at first, he eventually was excited at the idea of giving another child the gift of fun.
Now each year before the holidays we do a big sweep in our house and all three children participate. We start by trashing broken toys then we move on to toys that are no longer in use. We set those aside to donate to a cause or a church collecting toys for the holidays. The children continue to focus on toys while I shift to removing small clothing and shoes that no longer fit this year.
2. Earn money and give some of it to others. We don’t give the kids an allowance for weekly or daily chores but we do give them a few dollars for helping with special projects around the house. Washing the car, cleaning out a closet, etc. They collect their money and before you know it, they may have $10.00 or so saved up. Before the holidays, we give them extra chances to earn money and encourage them to use a portion or all of it for buying a special something to donate for Toys for Tots or other program. We usually match what they spend and let the children pick out their gift. Doing so really helps them to take ownership and pride in the exercise.
3. Prepare a donation basket and deliver it to a church or school for donation. Children can gather some items to prepare a care basket for a family or child in need. Many churches and schools take these baskets and distribute them to families that need them most. Gather pantry items, warm fuzzy socks from the dollar store, blankets, and perhaps gift cards to a local grocery store to purchase fresh food and meats. The entire family can participate in gathering the items and making it special for a family in need.
Start these habits early and you’ll find that children will grow to give freely not just during Thanksgiving but other times during the year. Your children will be more appreciative as children and later on as adults.
How do you encourage your children to give back?
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