The holidays are a perfect time to teach your children the value of giving back. In my opinion, giving back can build confidence and self-esteem in children (no, I don’t have any documentation to back that up, just 20 years of parenting experience). Teaching children to give back is one of the easiest things we can do as parents.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to teach children the power of giving back.

1. Talk about giving. Tell your kids which causes you’re supporting this year and why. Better yet, make the choice together. Or give each child a portion of what you plan to donate this year and allow him or her to choose the charity.

2. Do something fun, like cooking or an art project. Even very young children can make cards for senior center residents or help you bake a tasty treat for a neighbor. These are perfect ways to have fun while thinking about others.

3. Acknowledge and celebrate all kinds of giving acts. Whether your child volunteers, donates allowance, helps a friend or neighbor, or is simply being kind to a sibling, be sure to praise the effort.

4. Volunteer together. Whether serving a meal at a soup kitchen or lending a hand at an animal shelter, volunteering helps kids learn compassion – and it’s a great way for families to spend time together. Check with your child’s school, your religious institution, a local Boys & Girls Club or The Volunteer Family for project ideas.

 

This year the Boys & Girls Club of America is celebrating their 2nd Annual Give the Gift of a Great Future Holiday Campaign. This campaign helps the Boys & Girls Club of America to fulfill their mission:

To enable all young people, especially those who need us most,
to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

You can be a part of this fabulous campaign by making a donation or purchasing an item(s) from a participating vendor.

To show your children how easy it can be to give back BGCA has created the Giving Game. Play the game with your child and a gift will be donated to a Club this holiday season. Play here. The game is easy to play and only takes about 30 seconds.

Additionally, BGCA is asking for readers to vote in the Kids Give Back photo contest which award the wining club a $2500 scholarship! Vote here.

Please be a part of giving kids the gift of a bright and happy future by participating in the Boys & Girls Club of America Holiday Campaign.

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Boys and Girls Clubs of America. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.

 
Happy Holidays!