This winter, I want to teach my kids that life is NOT all about them. I am not sure why but kids are naturally selfish beings. As a mom, as much as I don’t want to admit it, I enable that behavior. I don’t want my kids to go without. They ask for something and I give it to them if i can afford to. This however, leaves them wanting more and more and there isn’t an end to their wishing wells. They don’t understand the value of money or waiting or sadly, giving while I give into their wishes.
For the month of November, we will not be buying anything for them, outside of food of course. No new toys, or shoes or non consumables. Then in the month of December, we will be giving each of our girls $50 to pay it forward. They can choose how they will pay it forward but the rules is that it CAN NOT benefit them in any way. So they can’t buy a toy to give a friend. This is about having a giving heart and helping others in need. I can not wait to see what they do with their $50. We have already started talking about it and they have some amazing ideas.
I’m a giver by nature and I can’t wait to see how blessed my kids feel after they pay it forward! I pray it’s addicting and they want to do it again and again!
How do you teach your kids to have a cheerful, giving heart of gratitude?
I know what you mean, Courtney. We try to live our lives and teach our kids to have that same attitude of gratitude but we are blessed with so much. I don’t want my kids taking that for granted and I want to teach them to help others. This holiday season we’ve “adopted” a family of five through a local group and we’ll shop as a family for this family in need to help them have a very Merry Christmas. I’m hopeful that this experience will help my kids appreciate what they have and teach them that it is our responsibility to help others when we can. Thanks! 😉