Share Your Thoughts: The Gift of Giving

We always participate in school and church drives for food, clothing, and other supplies. After hurricane Katrina destroyed our home, my children lost all of their childhood treasures. We had people coming out of the woodwork to help replenish their clothing and toys. It was humbling for all of us when my then 3-year-old daughter, Vivien, asked, "Mommy, are we the poor people now?"
Michele P., New Orleans, LA
Dean, age 8, and Vivien, age 4

We teach Johnny the importance of giving by building his emotional intelligence. We help him recognize how happy and proud he feels when he gives to others. By teaching him to recognize emotions in himself and others we are helping him develop empathy. He is growing into a caring young boy who enjoys helping others because it makes him feel proud.
Kristi R., Olympia, WA
Johnny, age 4

One of the best ways to teach the importance of giving is by example. How can I tell my children that giving is important if they never see me do it? I want my examples to show them that it's not just big donations at Christmas time that matter, but that smaller, everyday giving is important, too. When a friend has a new baby or a church member is ill, my kids and I make a meal for the family. 
Kathleen R., Madison, WI
Rachael, age 9, Ryan, age 6, and Erin, age 6

We try to take advantage of opportunities to give and talk to our children about how happy we have made others. We also explain that it lets the recipient know that they are loved or that we are thinking of them. Smaller acts of giving, like when someone is sick or needs help, seem to have more impact than the birthday or holiday related gift-giving occasions.
Susan S., Syracuse, NY
Kaia, age 3, and Merek, age 1

My boys help me to care for my husband's elderly grandmother. She is 82 and nearly blind. We cook, clean, make small home repairs, and help her with grocery shopping. Whether we are giving our time, money, or efforts, the real reward comes from knowing that we have done the right thing for the right reason.
Renae B., Grand Prairie, TX
Nathan, age 5, and Alex, age 2

We talk to our daughter about how good it makes others feel when she gives them a toy or how good Daddy or Mommy feel when she gives us a hug after a long day. As she gets older, we will teach her that there are opportunities outside the family and home to give such as donating to homeless shelters and hospitals.
Kara W., Tampa, FL
Hanna, age 3