As you find a space in your top drawer for your new six-pack
of socks, are you thinking about how to say thanks to the person who gave you that
great necessity? As your children
fervently play with their new hand-held gaming devices, are they thinking of
writing a thank you note to Santa? It’s
the day after Christmas and the kids are home on break. There is plenty of time to establish ways to
say “Thank you.”
Saying thank you by means of a hand written note, an email, or
a cool video slide-show displaying how much your kids are enjoying their gifts
can go a long way.
Dr. Price-Mitchell of Roots of Action, recently
explained that our children gain the greatest “psychological
rewards” through the act of
giving,
not through the act of
receiving. This may seem outlandish as we reflect upon yesterday
morning’s squeals, smiles, and laughter.
But, in the quiet act of saying, “Thank
you,” kids and
teens are forming their values about giving—something that lasts longer
than the novelty of a new gift.
After thank you notes are sent, we can find ways to sustain the
spirit of giving all year. Dr.
Price-Mitchell
provides six ways to
engage the entire family in the act of giving and volunteerism. I am currently looking over one suggestion, getting involved at
generationOn. GenerationOn has a great looking
website that is bound to get your
kids excited about helping others. There are sections for project tips, project ideas, and training with resources that make it easy to get involved in projects of your choice. It even gives recommendations to help your kids
organize a
Kids Care Club to involve their classroom community in the
act of helping others.
My kids called from their dad's yesterday and excitedly
listed all the wonderful gifts they were given.
I am excited for them, of course, but concerned that if we do not do
something to promote charity, they will miss out on a vital part of human
development.
Dr. Price-Mitchell explains,, “Family projects that involve giving to those in need during the
holidays can be turned into powerful lessons that teach compassion, empathy,
and meaning to children.”
Even though the gift giving is over, it is not too late to
sustain our giving spirit. There is
another biggie coming up—New Year’s Eve. When my kids return home on Wednesday, I am going to have a family meeting to discuss how we are going to give
back to our community by helping those in need throughout the New Year. I would like to include their dad's family too. If we make an action plan as a family it will
be more impactful than if I hand one down as a directive.
I challenge you to do the same with your
family. Leave your ideas and/or what
type of giving your family plans to implement for the New Year in the
comments. Thanks!
Or link up your ideas here!
Reference
Price-Mitchell, M., Ph.D. (November 21, 2011). The gift of
giving: How the holidays shape
children's identities
. Roots of Action. Retrieved from
http://rootsofaction.com/blog/the-gift-of-giving-how-the-holidays-shape-
childrens-identities/
