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Teaching Our Kids to Serve

by Kerri Aldrich on December 16th, 2006

Kate over at Babylune (you know our friend Kate, right?) issued a challenge to her readers to raise enough pageviews to earn an animal for a needy family. So, go help her out. I can wait….

Okay, so you’re back? Alright, thanks for helping her. I really want her to have to buy a sheep! ;)

Her post got me thinking about all the talk of giving and helping that comes up during the holiday season. Of all of the emphasis from parents (bloggers and non-bloggers alike) on teaching kids that the holidays are not just about toys, but about the spirit of giving and helping. And what is one of the best ways to teach our kids? By example, of course. By walking through life lessons with them. So, I thought I would give a list of examples of ways for us to SHOW our kids how to give and serve. And, hopefully, these are things we can continue to teach them throughout the year, and not just when the holiday spirit is flowing.

• Take your kids with you to pick out a toy. Let them put the toy in a Toys for Tots or similar collection bucket.
• Take your child with you to the grocery store. Let them help you pick out some non-perishable items and let them put them in the collection buckets.
• Contact your local food bank to find out their needs. Organize a collection in your neighborhood. Take your child to collect the items and to deliver the items to the shelter.
• Contact a local shelter, find out the needs for the children there. Collect items and bring your kids to pass the items out.
• Volunteer to help an older neighbor with chores around the house or with errands. Have your child come with you.
• Start, as a family, saving enough money to buy a goat for a family next year!
• Serve a meal at a local mission/shelter. Bring your kids if they are old enough.

You see the theme here? Bringing your kids with you. We all know how good it feels to give and serve. Give that experience as a gift to your child this season, and it will bring them joy for a long time to come. As they’re opening their gifts this holiday season, remind them that there are one or two more kids out there who get to receive a gift as well because of their efforts. It will make their holiday that much sweeter!

What are the ways that you share the spirit of the season with your kids?

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