Nurturing Generosity

Children are learning to give to others whether they are making a gift for a grandparent or putting together a care package for someone in the military living overseas or for someone who is sick in the hospital. Here are some suggestions to nurture a persons generosity.

Raise a generous child

• The act of being generous does not have to cost money. Encourage your child or grandchild to take a little extra time to help others. For example, stepping in to do a siblings chore who has a big test the next day or organize and conduct games for younger cousins at a family gathering. Children are learning the gift of time.
• Instead of making a list to receive gifts for themselves have your little person make a list for others. The list could consist of gifts they would like to buy or make for relatives and friends. Have them carefully consider what the person they will be giving to might want or need. Like making your little sister a video of you reading her favorite book. This "wish list" for others can help children discover how good it feels to give.
• Your child may feel better to give to a cause that is personally meaningful to him or her. Like collecting towels, blankets and food for a shelter if they like animals. Or put together care packages for the troops if they have a family member or friend in the military. Children learn to be generous for a special cause.

Even as little as offering the last slice of pizza to a sibling, you can help your children see themselves as a giving person by pointing out their generosity.

Ideas to be generous and kind

1. Hold the door open for those behind you.
2. Say good morning to your teacher, principal, school officials and classmates.
3. Offer to let your classmate go first.
4. Offer to take your neighbor's dog for a walk.
5. Invite someone new over for a play-date.
6. Collect foods and canned goods for a food bank.
7.  Volunteer to be a tutor or mentor in a school, especially if there is an area in which you can help another student.
8. Give someone a compliment at least once every day.
9. Color a picture, make a craft or send a treat to a senior center or nursing home.
10. Donate your unwanted toys and books to the children in need.
11. Write a thank you note to your teacher, your coach, a fireman, your mentor, family member or someone who has influenced you in a positive way.
12. Clean up the area around your school or a local park, picking up trash and putting it in the garbage can.  You can also help your teacher clean up the classroom.
13. Be extra kind to your bus driver. Say hello when you get on the bus and say thank you when you get off the bus.
14. Call your grandparent(s) or other special family members who you do not see often.
15. Make cards for people sick in the hospital that have no family.
16. Write a note to your parent(s) or grandparent(s) and tell them why they are special to you.
17. Help around the house without being asked to do so, such as cleaning your room, taking out the garbage or helping with the laundry.
18. Going to a new school can be really scary so be friendly to the new students in your class or grade.
19. Organize the clothes you don't wear anymore and donate them to a clothing drive or shelter.
20. Smile.  Smiling is easy and happiness is contagious!
21. Collect items for an animal shelter.

You can make a difference with one generous act!