"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." -- Abraham Lincoln
Give Your Child The "Gift Of Giving" On Their Birthday
"Birthdays are such a fun time to celebrate our children and show them how much we love them. It is always a memorable occasion to gather with family and friends, thinking back on the day your child was born and reflecting on how much they have grown over the past year.
However I want to make sure my children recognize the value of birthdays as a celebration of LIFE and not merely a chance to be the center of attention or get more *stuff*. I would also like to see our family and friends give "birthday presents" to a worthy cause versus buy more things my children might play with (for a while) but honestly do not need. For these reasons our family decided to have service-themed birthdays and, in this way, we give our children one of the most important gifts there is: the gift of giving." Keep reading to discover 15 service-themed birthday party ideas you can explore with your child(ren), in order to incorporate the spirit of service, kindness and generosity into your next family celebration! [read more]
However I want to make sure my children recognize the value of birthdays as a celebration of LIFE and not merely a chance to be the center of attention or get more *stuff*. I would also like to see our family and friends give "birthday presents" to a worthy cause versus buy more things my children might play with (for a while) but honestly do not need. For these reasons our family decided to have service-themed birthdays and, in this way, we give our children one of the most important gifts there is: the gift of giving." Keep reading to discover 15 service-themed birthday party ideas you can explore with your child(ren), in order to incorporate the spirit of service, kindness and generosity into your next family celebration! [read more]
Reading Corner
Title: The Peanut Butter Birthday Party
By: Cynthia Kagan Frohlichstein
Ages: 3-8
"Elmer Kay, the Peanut Butter Kid, plans his Birthday Party with his parents, close friends and the family dog, Pappy. They all decide on what peanut butter refreshments should be served. Elmer surprises everyone when he tells them what he would like to do instead of having people give him presents. His mother, Mrs. Kay comes up with an idea. All of them find a way to make her plan work. Everybody feels very good about the party and all want to do the same thing for their celebrations." -- Publisher
By: Cynthia Kagan Frohlichstein
Ages: 3-8
"Elmer Kay, the Peanut Butter Kid, plans his Birthday Party with his parents, close friends and the family dog, Pappy. They all decide on what peanut butter refreshments should be served. Elmer surprises everyone when he tells them what he would like to do instead of having people give him presents. His mother, Mrs. Kay comes up with an idea. All of them find a way to make her plan work. Everybody feels very good about the party and all want to do the same thing for their celebrations." -- Publisher
Recommended by The Cubs Editors
Be the Change
Talk to your child about the idea of having a service-themed birthday celebration this year and work together to come up with something that inspires them or find a way to support a cause, which they feel connected to, through their birthday celebrations. Better yet, lead by example and celebrate your next birthday by serving others! Need inspiration? Read some inspiring real-life stories of how people have celebrated birthdays in the spirit of giving!
