We're fairly simple around the holiday time.
I've kept that tradition with my kids at holiday time and at school's end.
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Parent Comments on "The Value of Giving"
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Last year when my son was in first grade, they had a long-term project in which he interviewed someone about their career. I have been a professional fundraiser for the past 14 years and, at the time, worked for The ALS Association (Lou Gehrig's Disease). My son's project happened to coincide with the "season of giving" so I took it upon myself to be interviewed in front of his classmates about philanthropy. The kids were so eager to learn about how they could help and it was a great public speaking opportunity for my son. I portrayed myself as one of Santa's elves who helped various "Santas" support others' needs. We talked about altruism, why charities exist, what I liked best about my role, and what kids can do to make a difference. We pointed out that my son's school is a nonprofit organization and that all of the events and activities were fundraisers for the school. We also discussed how fortunate we all are and how good it feels to share.
I gave all the kids pens and stickers and the teacher an ALS Association mug filled with candy. In addition to the swag, I gave everyone a little grid that showed what a donation of $25 would do for an ALS patient (for example) as well as a little handout of Giving Facts. Afterward, I received a nice thank you note from all of my son's classmates.
This year, I made a book of coupons for my son's Christmas stocking to take away from the "gimme stuff" mentality that is so pervasive. The coupons give him a sense of control and an awareness of the things we normally do together (e.g., meal at Panda Express, trip to the Bowling Alley, skipping taking out the trash/recycling once, etc.). In addition, we stress that gifts are for birthdays and Christmas; if he wants something very badly, we plan ahead and use his money from his piggybank as appropriate.
I was very proud when my son gave the $10 he received for his birthday to my charitable organization as a donation.
I gave all the kids pens and stickers and the teacher an ALS Association mug filled with candy. In addition to the swag, I gave everyone a little grid that showed what a donation of $25 would do for an ALS patient (for example) as well as a little handout of Giving Facts. Afterward, I received a nice thank you note from all of my son's classmates.
This year, I made a book of coupons for my son's Christmas stocking to take away from the "gimme stuff" mentality that is so pervasive. The coupons give him a sense of control and an awareness of the things we normally do together (e.g., meal at Panda Express, trip to the Bowling Alley, skipping taking out the trash/recycling once, etc.). In addition, we stress that gifts are for birthdays and Christmas; if he wants something very badly, we plan ahead and use his money from his piggybank as appropriate.
I was very proud when my son gave the $10 he received for his birthday to my charitable organization as a donation.
I to have tried to instill the value of giving what you can with what you have. For the past few years I have brought all seven of my grandchildren (2-10 yrs) and nieces and nephews over to make crafts or cookies plates for each household and I am pleased to have them ask me when we are going to do this. To have the kids look forward to this time and have good memories of this is more than any gift they or I have received. The kids look forward to giving the things THEY made to others. It is fun to have their suggestions of things to do and who they are putting on their list. The list just keeps growing, it is so much fun. We have started a craft bin with ideas and supplies for next year.
When my 18 year old was small, I would have him go through his toys and pick out some of the nicer toys he did not play with any longer. After he gathered them up we would take them to the family homeless shelter. We just didn't drop them off, we stayed and talked to the families so he would appreciate what he really had. He now has fond memories of giving gifts to children who otherwise were going to get nothing so I believe it encompass the value of giving.
I also have younger boys that I am trying to explain the value of giving to. One Christmas everyone, even family members got hand made gifts. They ranged from tree ornaments to jewelry boxes all made with tooth picks or Popsicle sticks. That was a very fun Christmas. There were a few who didn't care for the items made by the children's hands but the children were very proud that they could give something that they made. Value is relevant. I value the time I had with my Mother. So basically, one can find value in anything that they hold dear to their hearts.
This year with the economy as it is, they younger children don't have near the amount of toys as their older brother did and what they do have they really don't appreciate what they do have. So material items is not the route that I have taken with these guys this year. The gifts we are focusing on this year is the reason for the season. Telling people why we have hope and do celebrate Christmas. Not the commercial reasons but the real reason that December 25th is celebrated, The birth of Jesus Christ. Now these guys have proved to be little evangelists and love to share their love for Jesus with any and all, all year round. We carry Gospels of John that I got from The Pocket Testament League at www.pocketpower.org/225363 and last year we gave many teachers a Gospel of John, keeping the Christ in Christmas. Every teacher that we have given them to has had a smile on their face with a look of surprise. Just because the schools can't teach the Bible, it doesn't mean the children can't have the freedom of speech to share their love for Jesus. After all it is His birthday that we are celebrating.
There are many ways to give a gift without it having a monetary value. The gift of kindness, the gift of volunteering...we as parents have to look beyond money when we consider the value of a gift and teach our children to do the same.
There are many gifts that don't involve money but definitely have value.
I also have younger boys that I am trying to explain the value of giving to. One Christmas everyone, even family members got hand made gifts. They ranged from tree ornaments to jewelry boxes all made with tooth picks or Popsicle sticks. That was a very fun Christmas. There were a few who didn't care for the items made by the children's hands but the children were very proud that they could give something that they made. Value is relevant. I value the time I had with my Mother. So basically, one can find value in anything that they hold dear to their hearts.
This year with the economy as it is, they younger children don't have near the amount of toys as their older brother did and what they do have they really don't appreciate what they do have. So material items is not the route that I have taken with these guys this year. The gifts we are focusing on this year is the reason for the season. Telling people why we have hope and do celebrate Christmas. Not the commercial reasons but the real reason that December 25th is celebrated, The birth of Jesus Christ. Now these guys have proved to be little evangelists and love to share their love for Jesus with any and all, all year round. We carry Gospels of John that I got from The Pocket Testament League at www.pocketpower.org/225363 and last year we gave many teachers a Gospel of John, keeping the Christ in Christmas. Every teacher that we have given them to has had a smile on their face with a look of surprise. Just because the schools can't teach the Bible, it doesn't mean the children can't have the freedom of speech to share their love for Jesus. After all it is His birthday that we are celebrating.
There are many ways to give a gift without it having a monetary value. The gift of kindness, the gift of volunteering...we as parents have to look beyond money when we consider the value of a gift and teach our children to do the same.
There are many gifts that don't involve money but definitely have value.
I feel it's important for kids to share what they have with others. When we go to Mexico he give school supplies and clothes to the needy. But, we don't have to go far in are own neighborhood. The homeless we to volunteer work twice a year. I feel all parents should value the pupose of giving.
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