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Spirit of the Season
Teaching Children to Give of Themselves By Gina Roberts-Grey, LCSW
Bob Vanderleise of Lake in the Hills, Ill., a retired high school teacher who volunteers at shelters and other organizations, shares Dr. Peterson's perspective. His enthusiastic support of approaching the holidays in a less stressful and more traditional manner is evident as he emotionally speaks of his experiences. "Seeing the innocent and genuine loving spirit in a child who proudly brings a pair of mittens in to donate to a child in need is deeply touching," says Vanderleise. "It opens the eyes of a child in a way you'd never imagine."
Parents can present many gift options to children that instill the pleasure of giving and receiving. The kindness demonstrated when contributing to a giving tree or food pantry is a wonderful demonstration of philanthropy. Local discount and department stores, shopping centers and even grocery stores offer a variety of ways to sponsor children and families that are struggling. Realizing that needy children often hope for new socks, mittens or selflessly ask for items to give to their parents may encourage your kids to use part of their allowance to contribute a gift to children in need.
Tracy Devlin's religious education students make a list of how they can give the gift of their talents. "We ecourage them to reflect on how they can make their world a better place by contributing themselves to it," says the Crystal Lake, Ill., teacher. You can adopt this theme every night you celebrate Hanukkah. For example, one child can take the time to teach a younger sibling or neighbor to read or learn math facts. You can also mark the days off of an advent calendar with a good deed done around the house by your children as an early gift to Mom and Dad.