‘Tis the Season for Giving and Gratitude
Ahh, the holidays!
Crowded stores, credit card bills and the inevitable temper tantrum of a toddler in the toy aisle.
Unfortunately, what is meant to be a joyous season often turns into a Christmas battle between parents and marketers. Marketers do everything they can to create an “I want!” attitude in children. That leaves most parents to deal with the no-win decisions of either giving in to their child’s every Christmas demand or saying “No” and trying to calm down an angry, disappointed youngster.
But there is another option, a way you can keep the holidays joyful and teach your kids about being thankful and giving back.
At Boys Town we make sure the boys and girls in our care recognize the many blessings they have. We do this by involving them in different activities that foster gratitude and a spirit of giving. Families go out and ring bells for the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign, others volunteer to help with the Special Olympics and even our youngest residents raise money to provide holiday meals to the homeless.
You can foster gratitude in your home, too. Here are four practical tips to get started (you can read more on Parenting.org):
- When your children receive a gift, teach them to pause and thank the giver verbally.
- Help your children make a list of gifts they are going to give.
- When your child gets something new, have him or her give something away (a used toy, an article of clothing that is rarely worn) so someone else can enjoy it.
- Involve your children in volunteer and service activities.
Have a very Merry Christmas! I hope the spirit of giving comes alive in your home this holiday season as you thank God for His many wonderful blessings.
