It is Holiday Season again. We are in the midst of economic hardship for many families. This is a chance for families to share with others.
Here are some ideas for teaching our children how to share with and give to others:
- Share a meal: If you have extra food in your pantry or freezer, think of making a meal for someone else. Ask your children to help create a menu to share with another family. Your children could create invitations for your dinner guests. Allow your children to help prepare the meal under your supervision. Sharing a meal can be a wonderful way of spending time with others and getting to know them.
- Volunteer at a local food pantry: Food pantries, food banks, and food giveaways are chances for children to volunteer to help others. Contact local groups that provide food for the community and ask about volunteer options. These food giveaways often happen year-round and can become a family tradition. If volunteering is not an option, consider donating non-perishable food and other goods to a local food bank.
- Honor an Elder: Some of our elders are alone during the holidays. Consider having your family be an “angel” to an older adult you know in your community. You could bring them a meal, shovel snow, rake leaves, help with household chores (e.g., wash dishes), or spend some time with them.
- Winter Closet Cleaning: This is a great time to sort through children’s clothes they no longer wear and give them to others. Get the family involved in sorting and organizing the clean clothes in good condition. You and your children can take them to a local shelter or other clothing donation organization.
Enjoy this holiday season and share with others.
