Teaching kids to give back

Charitable giving is a part of the holiday season for many people who are spurred to donate for various reasons, including the general spirit of giving synonymous with the holidays.

Parents who want to show their youngsters this season is about more than presents can approach that task in various ways, including involving kids directly in giving back to their communities or helping the less fortunate.

Volunteer work

Kids of all ages can volunteer. Acclimate youngsters to the idea of volunteering this holiday season. Youngsters’ efforts need not be elaborate. Toddlers can help collect food for a food bank while school-aged children can assist elderly neighbors. The entire family can work together at a school, hospital or nursing facility.

Clean out the closet

Donating items also can teach kids valuable lessons, including helping them recognize how fortunate they are and how they are in a position to help those who are not so lucky. Parents and children can work together so it doesn’t seem like the little ones are the only ones giving away their belongings. Adults also should sort through their items and have an equally impressive pile of donations.

Bake sale

Another fun way children can get involved is by hosting a bake sale or craft sale. The proceeds of all items sold can be used to benefit a charity chosen by the kids. 

Clean up

Families can work together to clean up a stretch of beach or a local park or even make improvements to a neighborhood playground. Ideas include painting murals, installing benches and cleaning up litter. Just be sure to get permission from the property owner or appropriate civic authorities so that your project is not interrupted or deemed illegal. Metro