What Do You Think?"Look Dad, I got invited to Jeremy's birthday party next Saturday," yells Cody. "Sounds like fun," says Dad. "Do you know what you want to give Jeremy for a present?" "Oh, Mom usually takes care of that," answers Cody. (See end of newsletter for a possible answer.) |
The world can be a tough place for children to grow up and live in. Money alone will not solve all their problems. They will find life may be easier if they help and care for others.
The spirit of giving and receiving is a special art best taught by parents. Because children learn by example, remember to talk often with them about how people share and give to others.
Consider making it a tradition to give gifts from the whole family toward worthy causes. Make sure the gifts are meaningful and needed. Sharing and giving gifts from the family needs to happen on a regular basis in order to reinforce the idea of giving.
Some examples might be:
- buying groceries for a needy family
- cleaning up an elderly neighbor's yard
- donating a book to the library
- planting a tree in the park
- picking up litter along the road or street
Children love to receive gifts. They also may learn that giving gifts can be fun.
Children often feel they don't have enough money to buy the right presents. As parents you can teach them time is also a gift. Help your child understand ANY present is special— it's the giving that is important.
When your child wants to give a present, he or she needs help in thinking through these five steps.
- What does the person really need or enjoy doing?
- Is this a realistic gift from a child?
- How much will it cost—time, money?
- How much money does the child have to spend on the gift? Or, does the child have the time and skills to make the gift?
- How can the parents help? Can you suggest ways for your child to earn extra money or help him or her make something?
It's a good idea to have more than one choice because the first may not work out.
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Reprinted with the permission of the Iowa State University Extension. © 2008 Iowa State University Extension.
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