K
ID
S
We hear a lot about
making
sure our children
U
O
have math skills and athletic
Y
skills, but what about skills like
T
LE
compassion and empathy? As parents,
we can be as intentional about imparting
these skills as we are about teaching our
young children the alphabet or our older children
how to put their laundry away.
R
What’s the best way to teach generosity? Live it.
Let your kids catch you being kind so they will have real-life
memories to recollect later that remind them to be a positive force in the
world today, no matter how others choose to behave.
Often children are better at compassion and kindness than adults. When this is the
case, we should follow their lead. Cultivating a spirit of generosity encourages us to see the humanity in any
situation rather than defaulting to judgment or condemnation.
So, if you want to raise thoughtful, peace-loving kids, show them the way. Get some generosity going and keep
it flowing.
HELP THOSE WHO
NEED IT MOST
Grandmother and author, Jessica Morrell, likes to give
her granddaughters a cool lesson in generosity when
they stop in the car at highway ramps or intersections.
“I create little bags to pass out — a few dollars, a
protein bar, hand sanitizer, tissues, etc. I change the
items depending on the season — add cough drops in
winter, try to give out water bottles on hot days.” If
you don’t feel comfortable giving money, give sturdy,
healthy food items or even a nice cup of hot chocolate.
Ask your kids what they would like to give and act on
their ideas.
GIVE NATIONALLY
OR GLOBALLY
When a national or international tragedy strikes, get
your kids involved in donating a little to The Red Cross
(redcross.org) or other emergency organizations.
Explain that when disasters happen, it helps to do a
small good deed, even if it’s just making a modest
contribution. If your child just had a Bar Mitzvah or a
big birthday, encourage him to give a small amount to
a cause he believes in and see how it makes him feel.
VOLUSIA
parent
MAGAZINE
| 13