Grammas, with winter holidays around the corner, this is the perfect time to teach our children the value of giving and the importance of showing empathy for children less fortunate than them. In the process, they will learn how giving to others can make them feel good, too.
Our grandchildren certainly have older toys in their ‘personal warehouse’ of games, books, dolls, trucks and tanks that no longer interest them, coupled with the new gifts from parents, grandparents and siblings. So this is the perfect time to practice what you preach.
Talking is the first part of the giving process – next there must be action! Ask your grandchildren to take you to their room for the purpose of going through their older toys. Make sure you do the sorting together, as you will be there to mention the ‘spirit of giving’ again. Then empower them to personally choose the toys they want to ‘share’ with children less fortunate than themselves. And then discuss that goodness toward others is an important value to carry with them the rest of their lives. You’ll also want to share with them that making other children happy should make them happy. You will be the gramma that starts the process of teaching charity to your grandchildren.
I would take the process one step further: Box the toys together and make a date with your grandchild or grandchildren to donate the toys to a church, thrift shop or synagogue. Participating in the giving process is the most important part.
Reinforce your grandchildren’s actions by going for hot fudge sundaes and telling them how proud you are that they have just experienced the value of goodwill toward their fellow unknown friends. How happy they will make them feel. How happy they have made themselves feel.
Do something GOOD today: Practice what you preach. Sort through your closet and donate items you haven’t worn in a year.
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