Kids are natural horders. They want all the cake, and everyone else’s too. So sometimes we need to step in and remind them to share. The holidays are a perfect opportunity to do this on a larger scale. With so much emphasis on buying gifts, making a list for Santa, and being good just to get loot, the true spirit of the holidays –giving– is often lost.
from pearlsbuck.org
While it can be sad to show or remind our children how little others have –in some places not even enough food, medicine or clean water– it teaches gratitude. And it can be a lesson in sharing.
Last week I wrote about how charitable giving is a great alternative to holiday gifts, but I want to add one. The organization Pearl S. Buck International offers a Global Marketplace where you can feed an orphan in Vietnam for an entire month for $14 (less than the cost of an average holiday gift!), or give a child in the Philippines a complete medical and dental check-up for $53, among other gifts.
What a great opportunity, not only to help a child in need, but to help our children understand the true meaning of the holidays, and the importance of giving and gratitude. What better gift is there?
May 15, 2013 at 1:55 pm 
April 28, 2013 at 4:28 pm 
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Here’s another list of great children’s charities. There’s no better time to give back than the holidays! http://www.babyzone.com/toddler/toddler_development/social_skills/photos_great-childrens-charities/
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