“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention..”
~ Khalil Gibran
As we wrap up this crazy and unexpected 2020 year, it’s worth reminding ourselves that this holiday season is an opportunity to exemplify forgiveness and gentle attitudes toward others. Generosity of the heart is a character trait we hope our children see in our actions every day. Especially during the holiday season, it’s important for children to realize generosity is more than just giving away money or gifts.
Did you know there is scientific evidence that reports that generosity releases happy endorphins to our brain, which in turn reduces stress and increases our life expectancy!? How cool is that? No wonder I have MORE fun GIVING gifts during the holidays than receiving gifts myself!
So how DO we model behavior and traits to ensure we are passing on these awesome qualities to our children? We’re GIFTING you some good ideas today!
TALK ABOUT IT WHEN YOU SEE IT
- Talk about helping others when you see it happening in your community. Point it out to your children when you see a person offering a hand or the door for an older person. When you see the Salvation Army bell ringers this season, explain what they are doing and why.
PRACTICE GENEROSITY AT HOME
- With much of the country in some form of stay-at-home order, connecting is more important than ever! Deliver a thoughtful gift to a friend or neighbor. At times like these, a personal note, cookies (it’s National Bake Cookies Day on December 18th!), a warm meal or a favorite book delivery can make ALL the difference in someone’s life. These types of memories impact children in the long term.
FREEBIE ALERT: Let those in YOUR life know that you appreciate them with our adorable FRIDGE SIGNS. Make sure you’re signed up to receive our monthly newsletters for more free goodies in the months ahead!
MAKE A FAMILY PLAN FOR MONEY
- Create a plan to facilitate financial giving with your children. Many families do this with the save, spent, give philosophy. Make your children part of these conversations!
- Read books about the difference between wants and needs so your child is clear on the meaning.
SOME FAVORITE BOOKS ON GENEROSITY
- The Giving Book by Ellen Sobin
- A Kid’s Guide to Giving by Freddi Zeiler
- The Very Greedy Bee by Steve Smallman
- Rabbit’s Gift by George Shannon
- Blizzard by John Rocco
Are you signed up for the Empowering Kids with Character Newsletter? Make sure you’re on our email list so you can receive monthly FREEBIES like this month’s FRIDGE SIGNS!
“It’s far better to give then it is to receive, darling.”
~ Auntie Claus (from one of my favorite books on generosity, Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera)
*** Sarah Cavanaugh is a Marketing, PR and Communications Specialist with over 25 years of experience writing, building effective marketing campaigns, and creating brand awareness. Sarah can usually be found walking her neighborhood, drinking coffee and watching Saturday Night Live skits on YouTube. She lives with her two active teens and husband in Grand Rapids. Find her at www.CavanaughCommunications.com.