January 26, 2019

Quote of the Week

"Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need." --Khalil Gibran

Teach Your Teens To Live Healthy Through Generosity

"When you teach your kids to give and receive well, you teach them to live well. Some think that giving is an innate trait possessed by certain naturally benevolent personalities. But giving is a choice, and while many teens have done lots of receiving, giving is often less familiar to them. Parents need to teach them how to give by modeling it themselves.

Every individual is unique and loaded with strengths. Each one adds so much value to the world. The big question is whether your teen is aware of the strengths he has to offer. It's so important for him or her to begin grasping what it is they offer and finding those who want or need it. Once he learns to recognize his unique strengths, he has the special ability to make a difference in the lives of those who need what he has to offer. Providing it, as well as seeing what it means to his recipients, adds great value to his life.

This is where your teen learns about his place in this world, his value to the people around him, and the difference his presence makes to them. Helping him to think outside himself helps him see purpose in life that's bigger than himself, as well as showing him where he belongs ... and fits."  [read article]

Reading Corner

Title: The Kid's Guide to Service Projects: Over 500 Service Ideas for Young People Who Want to Make A Difference
By: Barbara A. Lewis
Ages: 8-14

Why? "Subtitled "over 500 service ideas for young people who want to make a difference." This big book is packed with projects, conveniently divided into sections such as: animals, community development and beautification, crime fighting, environment, friendship, health, holidays, homeless, hunger, literacy, people with special needs, politics, safety, senior citizens, and transportation. Helpful details are scattered throughout the book; for instance, the section on starting an environmental club is followed by tips on why & how to incorporate the club The final section, "service project how-tos," offers details on creating fliers, petitions, press releases, surveys, lobbies, & much more, as well as fund-raising tips. Good for individuals as well as groups, and for older as well as younger children." -- Amazon Reviewer

Title: The Giving Book
By: Ellen Sabin
Ages: 4-8

"The greatest gift we can give our children is a tender heart and one full of compassion for others. Giving is a joy. This book takes an old concept and involves the children in the giving process, teaching them firsthand the benefits to giving." -- Editor, Wee Ones Magazine

Be the Change

"Children learn rather early that they must ask for the things they want, but as they grow up, it’s important that they begin to consider the needs of others.  Raising a generous child is synonymous with raising an empathetic child. It takes intentional practices like encouraging giving, teaching important habits, and modeling how best to care for others".

As a family, consider ways you might like to explore practicing generosity together!  Need ideas?  This article has a few to get started.