Noticed that ad on TV lately where the kids have cut out all the things they want for Christmas and the parents take careful note? Their lists seem longer than our pocketbooks. Just today, Dr. Michele Borba posted the findings of a new study about getting kids all the things they want. Materialistic kids are less happy and secure and more anxious and argumentative.
Sharing, taking turns and learning to wait patiently are important social/emotional skills for kindergarten readiness. This time of year has lots of opportunities to practice those and to add learning about giving. Usually, relatives and friends love to receive crafts that kids have made. The kids not only feel a sense of accomplishment and pride from making the craft but are thrilled that their effirts are liked and appreciated by others. Giving coins and small change may not seem like much to us, but children seem to get satisfaction even from giving pennies. (Our community has a campaign called Pennies for Presents and raises over $10,ooo a year to buy gifts for struggling families.) Older kidlets can help pick out a present the family can donate or help bake cookies for neighbors. Kids may not really remember these little actions but they will remember the learning far beyond kindergarten.
What other ways can you suggest for helping kids learn about the giving reason for the season?