This time of year is called the giving season and people everywhere decide how they will help. Many parents wonder about teaching kids to give as they receive, wanting their children with plenty to be aware of others less fortunate than themselves.
Teaching Kids to Give to Others
According to Vicki Hoefle, author of The Straight Talk on Parenting: A No-Nonsense Approach on How to Grow a Grown-Up (Routledge; 2015), the best way for teaching kids to give to others is to work on it throughout the year, always noticing others and areas of need. Still, the holidays make a great time for going a bit deeper with kids to foster their generous spirits. Hoefle says to introduce your children by finding easy ways they can make a difference around them and then to build from there.
“I think the best way to encourage kids to give back is to model it and make it a part of everyday life, which can be hard because life is busy,” Hoefle says.
Not only does giving make the world a better place, it feels good, too. Plan a moment to talk with your kids about ways your family can help in the community. Listen to their ideas and if you’re not sure where to begin, take a look at our easy roundup and help your kids to learn what it’s like to make a difference in someone else’s life.
Ways to Talk About Giving to Others With Your Children
Salvation Army Angel Tree of Nashville
There is still time to give to a child or senior this year. Visit the Salvation Army’s Walmart Spark Good page to select, purchase and ship items for angels.
Christmas for the Children
Discuss what Christmas for the Children is with your children. Together you can go online to donate and learn more.
Hands on Nashville
Give a gift to Hands On Nashville this year, seek volunteer opportunities or give something to their holiday Wishlist.
Last Minute Toy Store
A ministry of Highland Park Church in partnership with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, The United States Marine Reserve Toys for Tots, other churches, businesses and civic groups, the Last Minute Toy Store has been providing gifts to Nashville’s families in need for 30 years. Toy donations can be made through Dec. 17 during certain hours (see Toy Drop Off locations under “Donations” on the website) to the Sheriff’s Support Center at 5117 Harding Place in Nashville.
Toys for Tots
See the list of local toy drop sites here. Toys for Tots is made possible by the Marine Corps Reserve.
Volunteer Match
Go to the website, enter your zip code and find ways your family can help.
