For many children, the holidays are a magical time of anticipating and receiving presents. We’ve learned over the years, giving can also become one of the most meaningful aspects of the holiday season. When parents involve their little ones in their holiday-giving efforts, children will begin to understand the impact that all of their actions have. At The Gardner School, we understand the value of providing ways for children to develop empathy by connecting with others. Taking small steps each year to introduce your children to giving back can have far-reaching effects as they grow. Building a rich family culture of gratitude and giving now will help solidify a strong foundation for generosity in the future. Try a few of these activities to cultivate generosity as a family and teach children the spirit of giving:
1. Choose a Charity to Support
The concept of charitable giving can be abstract for a young child or preschooler. Parents can help the idea of giving to others much more concrete when it’s tied to a specific activity or cause. Sharing the basic mission and providing support to organizations like a local animal shelter, Toys for Tots, No Kid Hungry, or Feed the Children can help children understand how they are helping. Select an organization that everyone in your family can get excited about. Then, over the course of a calendar year, make regular contributions to that specific cause or organization. These contributions could be in the form of volunteering, monetary donations, or physical donations of gently-used objects.
You can involve your child by sharing pics of your volunteer experiences, saving change in a clear jar to donate, or involving them in the deliveries of items. Make charitable giving a family value by talking about it and modeling a commitment to giving back.
2. Donate to Local Organizations
Charitable giving often increases during the holiday season, and many local organizations sponsor drives and fundraisers. Check with community organizations, local businesses, libraries, churches, or animal rescue programs. Your preschooler may be able to gather canned goods, clothes, or toys that they have outgrown, supplies, diapers, socks, or warm coats to give to others.
If your child attends The Gardner School, check in with your school to learn more about their holiday fundraiser. Many Gardner School locations partner with Toys for Tots, food banks, and other local organizations to help during the holiday season.
When you’re participating in a Toys for Tots drive, bring your preschooler with you to the store to choose a special gift for another child. Ask them to imagine how happy and excited that child will be when they open the surprise gift that year. You can even bring up the gift again when your child is opening their own holiday gifts. They’ll know that they’re a part of the giving spirit when they reflect on how they’ve given back to another child.
3. Broaden Your Definition of Giving
Giving back doesn’t just mean fundraising for nonprofits and charities. Giving back can be as simple as giving a hug to Daddy, thanking Mom for a delicious meal, or sharing a favorite toy with a sibling. Every day, each of us can make choices that spread warmth and kindness to others.
One of our teachers’ favorite books at The Gardner School is Have You Filled A Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. This wonderful picture book gives children a simple metaphor for kind actions and words. Everyone understands what it feels like when we have a positive interaction with someone. Our mood is lifted and our cup is filled. The power to improve someone’s day is available to everyone, even preschoolers!
You can encourage positivity by encouraging everyone in your family to share a daily compliment, say please, use kind words, and show gratitude to others. These daily actions can build a strong emotional foundation for preschoolers as they learn to spread joy, thankfulness, and positivity in the lives of others.
Choose a Preschool That Supports Giving Back
The Gardner School understands the value of providing ways for children to help others. We believe that it’s important to teach gratitude early by giving back to the community because involving children in the practice of gratitude is essential to teach them empathy and kindness. To learn why parents choose The Gardner School for their children to grow and learn, contact us to learn more or to schedule a virtual tour.