Using the Holidays to Instill Important Values in Your Child

With the holidays fast approaching, now is a good time to foster positive qualities in your children. Take advantage of the numerous opportunities this season to teach about compassion, giving, and caring for those less fortunate.

Toy Giveaway: Now is a great time to go through toys, getting rid of those that have been outgrown or that are no longer played with. Donate gently used toys, books and movies to a local toy drive for children. Or, go shopping with your child, allowing him or her to choose a toy for a child in need. Wrap the toy and take it to the pediatric unit of your local hospital. Receiving a gift may help brighten the day of a child who is spending his or her holidays under medical care.

Volunteer: Your time is all that is needed to help give back to your community or help those in need. Volunteer with your child, serving dinner at your local soup kitchen, putting together food baskets for families in need, or ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. Contact your local Visitor's Bureau for more information about volunteer opportunities in your town.

Bridge the Gap: The generation gap, that is. Bake cookies with your child to take to a nursing home in your community. Allow your child to pass them out and visit with the residents of the facility. This does wonders to help make the season brighter for a resident who may not have family nearby with which to spend the holidays.

Organize Your Own Drive: If there isn't a charity drive in your neighborhood or community, organize your own. A food drive for the local food pantry, coat and hat drive for kids, or toy drive for local tots are all great ideas. Your child can help make fliers, decide on a good drop off spot, and help deliver the goods after the drive is done.

These are just a few of the many ways that you may help instill important values in your child during the holidays this year. However, don't let the goodwill end with the holiday season. Ring in the new year by continuing these activities with your child. Getting him or her involved in volunteer or donation opportunities on a regular basis helps your child relate to those in need, encouraging the development of positive character traits that will stay with them well into adulthood.