NANA SAYS WE TEACH CHILDREN BY EXAMPLE

Yes the actions we do teach more than talk. If we do not respect and treat others well then children do learn this behaviour. So demonstrating generous and loving behaviour speaks louder than words.  Christmas is a wonderful time of year to teach generosity and giving to others.  Include your children in the trip to the toy drive. Here in the GTA some of those toy drives are in local malls or community centres so go and make an outing. One is featured on TV and the drive is for the Salvation Army. Many police stations and fire halls are collecting food and toys- could be another trip with the kids. Is there a neighbour or family friend that could benefit from a homemade child's card and small gift like cookies or Olympic mitts. Teaching children to think of others without a huge cost is the true meaning of giving.Teach children the giving at Christmas includes children of other faiths. In the website for the Thornhill United Church ,for example, the community food, clothing and toy hampers were given to 115 households in the area. Many were not of the Christian faith but people in need. Perhaps there could be regular trips to the food bank at other times of the year to emphasize the need continues beyond the festive season. My mother used to invite different people each year to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. Sometimes someone going through a hard time. Is there someone that could be included that would be okay with the rest of the family? Children should not be made to feel guilty because they have more than others. Teach giving a hand up, not just a hand out! Let them know a good education, hard work and love of community should be available to all children.