The holiday season is an exciting time for people of all ages. For children, it’s often full of anticipation of what they will receive and consume among their family members. That makes it the perfect time to teach your child about the importance of giving. If no one gives a gift, then no one can receive one. Here’s how you can teach your child that it can be just as great to give as it is to receive.
Model Generosity
Show your child what giving looks like. Let them know what charities you’re supporting and why. Bring them with you if you’re giving physical donations. Help them understand the importance of giving back to the community that has served you. Your example will show them how meaningful giving to others can be.
Involve Your Child
Help your child find causes or organizations they’re passionate about. See how you can dedicate time together to volunteer or donate to one of these causes. Let them be as involved as they can be in the process. Look for ways to incorporate creativity, like making handmade cards for people in nursing homes or putting together treat bags for animals in shelters.
Teach Gratitude
Encourage your child to appreciate what they have. While they want things that aren’t within their grasp, others have even less. Explain to them that not everyone has basic needs like food, shelter and water. Let them know that not everyone gets Christmas presents every year. This can help them understand how giving back helps others who are less fortunate.
Practice Random Acts of Kindness
Giving back isn’t just about grand gestures of charitable donations and volunteering. It’s also about being kind. Encourage your child to perform small acts of kindness for others, like holding the door or helping with directions. Let them consider how kindness makes them feel, and explain the ripple effect of being kind to others.
Reflect and Discuss
After you and your child spend a day volunteering or gathering donations, take time to talk about it. Discuss the impact of their giving on those around them. Reflect on the positive feelings that come from helping others. The more they realize the impact of the joy and generosity they spread, the more compelled they’ll be to carry it into the rest of their lives. At St. Charles Borromeo, we encourage our students to give generously. Located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando,our school is committed to proclaiming the gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.
