Teaching Our Children to Give…

As a mom, I face many challenges.  Some of my challenges have to do with juggling two kids, a husband,  a full-time job, church responsibilities and community involvement.  The most important challenge has to do with the kids.

I want my daughters to be caring, giving, loving and kind.  Sometimes it is so refreshing to see what you are doing for them is actually sinking in.

Recently, it was my oldest daughter's birthday.  We had talked about going to several different places to play, but nothing was feeling like the right activity.

One evening, she started talking about all of the stuff she wanted for her birthday.  I answered her wish list with, "Don't you have plenty of toys?"

She responded, "Yes, I guess I do.  Mom, can we make dolls to give to kids that don't have any toys?"

So, for her birthday party, we made 30 dolls to take to the United Way's Shelter for Women and Children.  All of the kids had a great time and not one of them threw a fit about not getting to keep the dolls they had worked so hard on.

How can we, as parents, help our children be more caring, giving or thoughtful?

• Spend time together counting your blessings
• Work together to make someone else's day better
• Ask probing questions: How would you feel if…?
• Set an example of putting other people and their needs first
• Leave little messages sharing your love for your children

There's no guarantee, but hopefully, our children will remember how to help another in need.

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