Otter2569 Posted December 4, 2015 Share Posted December 4, 2015 What do you do to engage your kids in the "spirit of giving"? My boys are 13 & 16. Both great kids and no problems with them other than they lay around and play video games all day- pretty typical. I want them to start thinking of others and believe its time to become involved in Xmas, mothers day, fathers day, etc. by buying small gifts, making something or doing something nice - something more substantial than whipping up a 1 minute hand made card. I think its important for their development. Link to post Share on other sites
GorillaTheater Posted December 4, 2015 Share Posted December 4, 2015 My younger four () are two girls, 9 and 10, and two boys, 12 and 14. Throughout the year (because I think it's important to develop a spirit of giving not just at the Holidays), I volunteer to help people move. It's one of those awful tasks that people dread and appreciate any help they can get. The boys know they'll be part of the package labor deal. They may or may not appreciate what they're doing to help people at this point, although I think they do, but if nothing else it helps instill a work ethic which my older kids have in spades. Well, for the most part, anyways. It's a small thing, but at the Holidays I pull some shifts as a bell ringer. It helps the Salvation Army because they don't have to pay someone to do it (around 80% of bell ringers are paid), and I always drag the kids, particularly the girls, with me. The girls love it. They invariably start performing, singing or what not, and see each bit of money that goes into the pot as a personal victory. And they see people giving, maybe not a lot but it's a great example for them. A couple of things that sprang to mind, anyways. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Otter2569 Posted December 4, 2015 Author Share Posted December 4, 2015 All great ideas. I am in a mode where I am asking them to step up and help more. Giving more chores and responsibility etc. We live in a more rural / suburban area so the opportunities are fewer. When they were in scouts we food drives and several community service events. I am asking them this year to think about their mom & grandmother and to buy / make them something for Xmas. They can work around the place to earn $$. They are not greedy or spoiled kids but I want them to start thinking of others and contributing more. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
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