quick clicks

babies today articles

babies today q&a

toddlers today articles

toddlers today q&a

breastfeed.com articles

breastfeed.com q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Spirit of the Season

Teaching Children to Give of Themselves

By Gina Roberts-Grey, LCSW

Or consider adopting a grandparent. "A retirement or assisted living community is always delighted to learn about a family willing to adopt a grandparent during the holidays," says Lillian Vasta, Resident Care Coordinator for St. Joseph's Assisted Living Facility in Palatine, Ill. Because many people in their golden years feel displaced or forgotten at the holidays, spending time to hear their traditions, share stories and enjoy holiday treats together spreads some heartwarming holiday cheer. Your family also may learn some insightful facts about holiday traditions from different cultures, religions and generations.

Volunteer to make a meal for a family that will spend the holiday in the hospital. Seeing the faces illuminate when you show up on Christmas morning with a home-cooked meal for a family whose child or parent is ill will not only fill your family's heart with pride, butremind you of the true spirit of the season.

Giving your children the chance to realize how they can be generous this year will foster fond holiday memories. Your children will learn life lessons that will afford both compassion and generosity while they promote self-esteem and pride.