What can be a better influence than to volunteer with your grandchildren, teaching them to give back to their community and to care for others?
Parents are often stressed and short of spare time, so this learning aspect may be left up to us, the grandparents. It’s important for the kids to realize that there are others that do not have the privileges and all the material things that they take for granted. Children need to learn to appreciate the things they have and to develop empathy for others.
Probably my favorite sharing and giving experience is to sponsor a child through Compassion International. It does have a monetary monthly commitment, but the grandkids can correspond with their child from another county and learn about another lifestyle. They can also send pictures and small gifts and look forward to receiving letters from their special friend.
I try to find a child to sponsor within the same age group. If young, let your grandchild dictate to you what they want to say, then let them draw or color something to enclose with their letter.
A few other suggestions to turn your little ones into “Givers” are:
- Serving a meal at a homeless shelter -Volunteers can sign up for a one-time holiday event or serve on a weekly/monthly basis.
- Donate books – Let kids choose books they have outgrown to donate to a children’s hospital in your area.
- Adopt a family for Christmas – Your grandkids will love to help shop and choose a toy or clothes as gifts for another child. Also, let them help with the wrapping.
- Deliver a meal or baked goods – Let them help in the kitchen to prepare a casserole or make cookies/muffins for a neighbor or housebound person.
- Grocery shop – Take the little ones grocery shopping and let them pick out a boxed or canned food for others. Store these in a box at home and when full, take to the food bank.
- Visit a nursing home – Make special cards or coloring pages beforehand to deliver to the residents. The older people love visitors and the special energy that younger children bring. They also love to receive beaded necklaces and bracelets. These can be premade, or pack and let the kids make them with the residents. Set up a tea party, or play a game or work on a puzzle together. Doing an activity helps to provide more conversation opportunities.
- Service/therapy pet visits – Take a pet to a nursing home or hospital for animal therapy visits. Get your own pet certified, or go with a friend who owns such a pet.
There are many other possibilities available to serve others. The important thing is to show the grandkids an example of giving to others that they think is fun and will want to repeat in the future.
Have a blessed ThanksGIVING.
