Teaching the spirit of giving (Tween Tuesday)
My kids are writing their Christmas wish lists, and I’ve been warning them not to be too extravagant this year. The economy is just too uncertain for us to be spending a lot on toys they’ll grow tired of before the school break is over.
Many of us try to teach kids that it isn’t just about the getting, but about the giving as well. Yesterday, we had a story in The Baltimore Sun about students 
at Waverly Elementary School in Northeast Baltimore raising money to help children in Africa and needy residents in the city. You can read about it here.
Certainly there are lots of ways to get kids involved in helping others. Schools, church groups and scouts take up food and clothing donations this time of year. The Case Foundation offers these suggestions for teaching kids about giving.
Do you have any other ideas for teaching the kids that the holidays aren’t just about getting, but giving as well?
(Photo by Baltimore Sun photographer Kim Hairston)
Comments
Not exactly on topic, but I was reminded that some families encourage their children to believe in Santa while others pop that balloon early on. I was told by an older child when I was four years old that there was no Santa Claus--"it's your parents!" My mother had the best answer, and the one I used when my children had the same question: "Santa has LOTS of helpers." Thanks, Mom!
Posted by: Dahlink | December 2, 2008 6:26 PM
A friend of mine's parents give him and his sister $500 to give to charities of their choice every Christmas and have been doing it since they were in middle school. It is a good way for families that were going to give money to charity to do it, because it does teach children about the importance of giving as well as receiving, plus it makes them aware of what charities are out there and what causes they really want to help, and it helps kids feel like they are making a difference. It can realistically be done with any amount of money, because in an economy like this, every dollar helps.
Parents could also consider sponsoring something in their child's name - sometimes an animal at a local zoo or aquarium. This can be a great gift for a child who loves animals.
Posted by: Ellie | December 7, 2008 12:09 PM