|
Family Corner
The Northbridge Coalition's
2nd Annual Community Game Night
The Northbridge Coalition held its Second Annual Community Game Night at Balmer School with over 75 in attendance. The Northbridge Coalition is supported by the Northbridge Public Schools, Family Continuity, Northbridge Association of Churches, The Whitinsville Community Center, Whitinsville Christian School, the Northbridge Senior Center, and a growing number of organizations, students, parents, and you.
The Coalition is an association celebrating community
strengths and supporting community needs.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"The Gift of Giving"
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 somethingto 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. | 
