Tuesday, 08 December 2009

• Teaching Children Charity: Project Teddy Bear and More

  Guest Post by SUPERMOM CENTRAL
  
  

  
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  This is such a wonderful time of year to teach your little ones about charity. Particularly because charity isn't just about donating time/money when asked - it's about proactively noticing the needs of the world around you and happily offering what you have to give. This can be a toughie for kiddos at Christmastime because there is so much outside focus on "getting" - on TV, in stores, even in schools.
  

  
  

  As many of us dig dimes out of the couch cushions just to place a few presents under the tree this year, it can even be difficult as a parent to find ways to teach charity at Christmas.

  And while I'm sure all of us would write a big fat check to our favorite cause if we had the cash to spare, I actually believe that there are many inexpensive ways to give to others, help the helpless, and instill in our little ones a love for the beauty of charity.
  

  
  

  For instance...
  

  Project Teddy Bear

  
  

  Bank of American Fork is collecting new and gently used stuffed animals for at-risk children at Orem & Midvale's Family Support and Treatment Centers. Stuffed animals are used primarily in play-therapy to aid children in the healing process.
  

  
  You and your children can drop off teddy bears to any Bank Of American Fork locations (in both SLC and Utah Counties) anytime between now and Dec. 16th. The family centers they donate to care for thousands of children every year who have suffered great trauma or are in crisis. Sometimes a teddy bear is the only thing they have to hug.
  

  
  

  I think all little ones can identify with the need for a special "buddy" - what a great way to help your children give to others just like them who are in need!

  
  

  The 12 Days of Christmas
  

  
  

  This is a long-standing tradition I was raised with and one I'm thrilled to pass on to my little fam. We have always chosen a neighborhood family who could use some extra Christmas cheer (not so much financial as emotional need) and left anonymous gifts and notes on their doorstep each evening for 12 nights leading up to Christmas.

  
  

  Many years my childhood family didn't have a quarter to spare and our 12 Days of Christmas gifts were meager or handmade. But we were united in the excitement of secretly uplifting someone around us and always looked forward to delivering the surprises each night. I remember my mom hoping that we wouldn't get caught because she wanted the receiving family to look at everyone as potential gifters and feel love from all around them.
  

  
  

  You Can Do It Sam

  

  
  

  My kiddos request this sweet book by Amy Hest several times throughout the year, but almost daily during the Christmas season. It's the story of a mother and son (Sam) who get up before the sun does to bake cakes and deliver them anonymously to their neighbors. Sam loves the quiet excitement of being on a charitable errand so early in the morning. He and his mother bond as they give to others.
  

  
  

  My little Jude has asked me more than once if we could do what Sam did and I intend to make sure we do during the holidays this year. I'd like it to become a special one-on-one project that I do with each of my children throughout the years as a way to make warm memories and spread holiday cheer to those around us.

  
  

  Caroling

  

  
  

  Again, a much-loved childhood tradition that warms me each year as we carry it on. Even when you have nothing physical (money or presents) to spare, families can give the gift of music as a way to show Charity. Neighbors, public servants (like fireman or postal workers) and care centers will all be brightened by voices lifted in Christmas song, no matter how off-key. And your little ones will get the immediate satisfaction of seeing the happiness their gift brings to others.
  
  What are your favorite ways to show charity as a family during the holidays?

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