3 Ways for Parents to Encourage Generosity this Holiday Season
For children, the holiday season can boost their focus on presents and wants. Many kids are constantly asked what they asked Santa for. They may begin to believe that the holidays are all about presents and “me.” As a parent, however, there are plenty of ways to encourage generosity this holiday season. It may look different this year during a global pandemic, but kindness and generosity are needed more than ever.
Teaching Generosity to Children
Start by brainstorming how to be generous together as a family. Let every family member contribute ideas:
Who do they want to help?
Why is generosity and giving important?
Are there any charities you already know about?
What kind of donations could the family make?
Remember to model generosity yourself, as kids learn by observing you. Talk about what you are grateful for—appreciation and generosity go hand in hand. Encourage thankfulness by starting a gratitude jar in December. Every day, have each family member write down one or two things they are thankful for. Collect the papers in a jar, and open them up throughout the year. You can also teach children empathy during the holiday season. Ask them to notice how do our actions affect others, and observe how others react when you give to them. They can begin to learn how their actions can positively affect the lives of others.
One way to encourage generosity this holiday season is to set up a system for children so when they do chores, half their earnings go to the charity of their choice. Try starting a family donation jar where everyone pitches in. Focus on generosity within your community. Talk about what community means to your family–is it local, regional, or even a global community? All of these ideas can infuse meaning in your holiday season.
After practicing generosity, talk about how it felt to give to others. Ask everyone about their experiences, and talk about how you can improve your generous efforts next year—new ideas or improvements. Most importantly, talk about how you can make generosity a normal and routine part of life. This could include mowing the lawn for disabled neighbors in the summer and donating school supplies in the fall. Read on for more specific ways to practice generosity.
1. Give to Those in Need
Teach children about marginalized populations and how others may have less than them. Make necessity bags for homeless people and families. Donate toys and jackets to kids in need. This can also help you declutter as well! As a family, spend an afternoon hunting your house for items to donate, like gently used books or coats. You can find and donate old blankets to dogs and cats, and make homemade dog biscuits or toys for shelter pets. When shopping online or in-person, allow kids to find and add extra gifts to your cart to donate. Additionally, explain to your kids that holidays can be extra stressful for some people, and a kind comment and look in the eyes can make a person’s day.
2. Write Letters to and Make Art for Others
During a global pandemic, volunteering is tricky. Writing letters to others and making art for them is a great way to connect with others right now. Teach kids that even encouraging words can help others who are feeling isolated or sad. Ask about protocol first, but you may be able to write letters and draw pictures for sick children in the hospital. Elderly residents always enjoy getting cards. Try recruiting others via Facebook or social media and adopt a whole nursing home so every resident gets some holiday cheer.
Try writing letters to active-duty troops and other military members like veterans. You can also teach your kids how to ask your church or local shelter who needs encouragement. If your kids want to learn to knit, crochet or sew (or already know how!), they can make blankets and masks for hospitals and shelters in need. Again, ask about COVID-19 protocol ahead of time.
3. Practice Generosity in your Neighborhood
Encourage your kids to practice generosity and kindness in their own community if possible. Working to better their community can give children a sense of confidence, purpose, and belonging. You can start by picking up trash on your street. Going back to number two, write letters to your neighbors you’re not able to visit. If allowed during COVID-19, make cookies for neighbors or give baked goods to your local fire station or a police station.
It may be difficult, but try to teach children to meet their neighbors and learn about their needs. This can be done from 6 feet away or through a Facebook neighborhood group. Kids will learn that some neighbors may have trouble walking, and kids can be a huge help by taking the neighbor’s dog out once a week for a walk. Kids can also shovel snow and help others put up outdoor holiday decorations or lights. Your family can also practice quick acts of kindness like-kind sidewalk chalk messages and leaving snacks and thank you messages for delivery drivers and trash pickup people.
Another way to encourage generosity this holiday season is by letting kids help in the house during the holidays. They can help decorate the yard, wrap presents, and bake treats. You could even spend an afternoon dressed up like elves doing kind and generous deeds in your neighborhood! Encouraging generosity and kindness are so important right now. Spend some time this and each holiday season focusing on giving and gratitude as a family.
Are you a parent looking for more support during this stressful time? Please reach out to us. Our team of therapists is here to provide support and guidance. We look forward to connecting with you?
