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. Read More