Teach Your Kids the Gift of Giving

We know that kids love getting presents at the holidays, but what truly makes the season special is the genuine sense of goodwill all around them. That's why now is the best time to show a child how to spread that warmth by helping others. Yes, it's great for the needy, but it's even better for your child. Children love being helpful (it makes them feel grown-up), and volunteering gives them the chance to experience the rewards that come from making someone else happy. When your child gives, here's what he gets...

The Courage to initiate change.
When a child improves someone else's life, he sees that he can change the world around him -- and even himself -- for the better.
New Compassion for all beings. Helping communities, people, and even animals in need helps kids flex their caring "muscles".

An Enthusiasm for teamwork. Working with others toward a common goal shows kids that sharing responsibility can have a bigger impact than going it alone.
Powerful pride. Volunteering is a win-win experience for kids: Every little bit they do helps, and that, in turn, is a great self-esteem booster. You can't match the feeling when a child realizes that they did something to make someone else smile.

It's never too early to expose your child to activities that help others.   Here are some tips to help motivate children to give back.

Start small/Start young. Teach your toddler about generosity by encouraging her to share her toys, rewarding her for helping around the house or showing her how to give a loving hug to someone who is crying or hurt.
Praise kindness. When your child does something nice for someone, compliment him. Say, "Thank you for helping Mommy pick up those clothes" or "It's so nice of you to share your book with Timmy."
Set an example. Let your kids see you doing generous acts - your example of helping others will make an impression, because if parents do it, children are more apt to.
Talk about reaching out. Slip a newspaper article about a family in need under your child's plate and discuss it over dinner or direct her attention to causes that spring from the news.
Get their input. By asking your child for her ideas (e.g., "Our neighbor, Mr. Andrews, is sick. What should we do?"), you're saying that her opinions count.
Remember the end goal. Showing children the full circle of their volunteer work makes them want to do more. After your child has collected canned food for the homeless, take her with you to drop it off at the shelter or church so she can see firsthand the results of her work. Nothing is more powerful or motivating than seeing, first hand, the impact on others of good deeds.

This Holiday Season, spend some time teaching your loved ones the joy of giving to others. You won't regret it.

With Thanks to Hillary Quinn, from her article in Redbook, July 16, 2009

Beating the "Holiday Blues"

What Causes Holiday Blues?

Many factors can cause the "holiday blues": stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial constraints, and the inability to be with one's family and friends. The demands of shopping, parties, family reunions and house guests also contribute to feelings of tension. People may also develop other stress responses such as headaches, excessive drinking, over-eating and difficulty sleeping. Even more people experience post-holiday let down after January 1. This can result from disappointments during the preceding months compounded by the excess fatigue and stress.

So, what can you do about it?

• Keep your expectations for the holiday season manageable. Try to set realistic goals for yourself. Pace yourself. Organize your time. Make a list and prioritize the important activities.
• Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Don't put the entire focus on just one day (i.e., Thanksgiving Day). Remember that it's a season of holiday sentiment, and activities can be spread out to lessen stress and increase enjoyment.
• Remember the holiday season does not banish reasons for feeling sad or lonely; there is room for these feelings to be present, even if the person chooses not to express them.
• Leave "yesteryear" in the past and look toward the future. Life brings changes. Each season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. Don't set yourself up in comparing today with the "good ol' days."
• Do something for someone else. Try volunteering some of your time to help others.
• Enjoy activities that are free, such as taking a drive to look at holiday decorations, going window shopping or making a snowperson with children.
• Be aware that excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression.
• Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way.
• Spend time with supportive and caring people. Reach out and make new friends, or contact someone you haven't heard from in a while.
• Save time for yourself! Recharge your batteries! Let others share in the responsibility of planning activities.

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