As we go launching into silly season, it is easy to overlook the hidden messages we give our children through our actions at this time of year. Our children are looking to us all the time to see what is important, how they should act, and what is possible in this world of theirs. Unfortunately what we often teach at this time of year is overconsumption, waste and greed. This is a perfect opportunity for us to give a different message – the kind of gift that will keep on giving – both to them and the rest of the world – through all the days of their lives… the gift of paying it forward.
Instead of focusing so heavily on what we can get, let’s start focusing on what we can give. A great way to model this for your kids is to let them see you doing random acts of kindness for strangers – pay for a parking meter that’s about to expire, help a mother with a baby to carry her groceries to the car, hold a door open for someone, let someone in front of you in the queue, pay for someone’s bill at a coffee shop, visit an old age home, pick up litter, donate books to a library, babysit, write an anonymous love letter to someone you don’t know…
The list is as long as your imagination can make it. Start looking for opportunities to do kind things in your daily life – this not only helps to keep you anchored in the present moment, but it also teaches your children about the philosophy of giving without the expectation of something in return. Let’s be clear about this – if you do something for someone with an expectation of return, this is called trading, not giving. In true giving, what you get in return is the pure joy of the act of giving itself.
We all have so much to give and this doesn’t need to cost us anything – we can give hugs and smiles and encouragement and time. We can give laughter and compassion and patience and freedom. We can give ideas and love and thoughtfulness and foot massages!
I’ve always been a great fan of brainstorming with kids – it really gets those creative juices flowing – and this is something that can be used as a fun family exercise to think of as many kind acts as you can and then see how you can implement them. Perhaps even set yourselves a challenge to do one kind thing for every day of December – like a pay-it-forward advent calendar!
Most importantly, make it fun. Giving can be even more rewarding than receiving, and this feeling is self-generated and never runs out. What an awesome gift to give your kids (and yourself) this festive season.
Have a great one and travel safely!
The list is as long as your imagination can make it. Start looking for opportunities to do kind things in your daily life – this not only helps to keep you anchored in the present moment, but it also teaches your children about the philosophy of giving without the expectation of something in return. Let’s be clear about this – if you do something for someone with an expectation of return, this is called trading, not giving. In true giving, what you get in return is the pure joy of the act of giving itself.
We all have so much to give and this doesn’t need to cost us anything – we can give hugs and smiles and encouragement and time. We can give laughter and compassion and patience and freedom. We can give ideas and love and thoughtfulness and foot massages!
I’ve always been a great fan of brainstorming with kids – it really gets those creative juices flowing – and this is something that can be used as a fun family exercise to think of as many kind acts as you can and then see how you can implement them. Perhaps even set yourselves a challenge to do one kind thing for every day of December – like a pay-it-forward advent calendar!
Most importantly, make it fun. Giving can be even more rewarding than receiving, and this feeling is self-generated and never runs out. What an awesome gift to give your kids (and yourself) this festive season.
Have a great one and travel safely!
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