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Spirit of the Season
Teaching Children to Give of Themselves By Gina Roberts-Grey, LCSW
Taking the trash out or shoveling snow for an elderly neighbor or helping a teacher organize the classroom after school gives the gift of a child's time. By spending time reading to a grandparent or person whose eyesight isn't what it used to be, your child learns the meaning of giving at the holidays and throughout the year.
Older children can volunteer to donate time to baby-sit for a neighbor who needs to run holiday errands or to a single mom or dad who could use some time for themselves. Children not yet ready to baby-sit alone but looking to be a mentor can offer to accompany a family member or neighbor and their younger child on a walk. Helping clean a younger pal's room or sharing holiday stories with a young neighbor is a wonderful gift your child can give.
Your kids also can help lower the stress level of close neighbors or friends by offering to walk the dog, care for the cat or feed the fish while they are away during the holidays. Using her talent and love of animals, your child will relish the responsibility. Or kids can make coupon books for gifts to family members or neighbors for pet sitting, yard work or trash duty. Remember, the holidays can be stressful for kids, too, so keep gift-giving pressures to a minimum.
Taking the time for your family to visit an organization that deals with reading to displaced children who are there for the holidays can remind everyone of the true spirit of the season. Dressing in character or making props or a set to present the story as a play leaves a dramatic impression that stays with your children and your audience.