HOLIDAY GIVING FOR CHILDREN
The holiday season is a time for giving and receiving, and many kids are greatly excited about being given-to. I like being given-to, too! It’s great. I know very few people who don’t enjoy receiving. The weird thing, however, is that the rush of getting stuff tends to wear off quickly. Perhaps you’ve noticed this with your kids. Maybe you’ve even noticed this with yourself.
Being on the other end, that is giving to others, also feels good. Generosity warms the giver’s heart and builds “heart muscle.” We all want our kids to have strong hearts, built on the steady exercise regime of giving.
Pumping weights, jogging, swimming, and other forms of exercise are not much fun when done for the first time. They make us dizzy, cause sweat to drain from our pores, and create a major soreness hangover the next day. Only when our muscles begin to strengthen do we start to enjoy these activities. Once in the habit, they become enjoyable.
The same goes for being a giver. Many kids need a large amount of gentle, yet firm, prodding to begin the process of cardiac strengthening. They also need someone to show them how it’s done.
This time of year is a great time to place an exclamation point on the importance of continued generosity. Here are some ways that you can teach your kids the joy of giving:
- Allow children to grow through their mistakes
- Suggest that they buy a less fortunate child something brand new.
- Expect them to give their grandparents, other relatives, or neighbors the gift of a shoveled sidewalk, a dusted home, a spic and span garage, etc. Doing for others is extremely heart healthy.
- Volunteer as a family to feed the hungry.
- Show them how to do all these things with a joyful attitude.
All in all, the best thing we can give our kids is a giver attitude. While it takes plenty of reps, it will eventually build them into people with strong and loving hearts. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season with plenty of giving.
Merry Christmas, I pray this can be a time of peace and joy for your family as you celebrate the newborn King.
This article was taken from Love and Logic Insider’s Club by Dr. Charles Fay
Blessings on your week and worship.
Michelle Gerlach, Family Life
