"There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others." -- Mandy Hale
Traits Kids Learn from Serving Others
"Serving with children can be intimidating at first. If you picture afternoon-long fundraisers or bake-sales requiring weeks of preparation, you may wonder how you (and the kids) would survive! But serving others does not have to be complicated. It does not even have to take a long time. Serving with young children is possible.
One of the most important lessons I have been learning over the past few years – as a mother of two young children who are currently five and two years old – is that small acts of kindness can be integrated into the regular family routine just like any other undertaking. Reading books before bed time. Family dinners on Wednesday nights. Service project on the weekend. It just becomes a part of life. As I have experimented with more regularly serving with my children, I have realized that it really can be quite simple and, even more importantly, the kids are learning so much from the experience. We have a family goal to offer one intentional act of kindness every week and when we have this in mind, so many more opportunities for service arise that help us surpass this goal by far. Here are five character traits I am noticing my children develop as they participate in service to others." [read more]
One of the most important lessons I have been learning over the past few years – as a mother of two young children who are currently five and two years old – is that small acts of kindness can be integrated into the regular family routine just like any other undertaking. Reading books before bed time. Family dinners on Wednesday nights. Service project on the weekend. It just becomes a part of life. As I have experimented with more regularly serving with my children, I have realized that it really can be quite simple and, even more importantly, the kids are learning so much from the experience. We have a family goal to offer one intentional act of kindness every week and when we have this in mind, so many more opportunities for service arise that help us surpass this goal by far. Here are five character traits I am noticing my children develop as they participate in service to others." [read more]
Reading Corner
Title: A Heart of Gold: A story about generosity
By: A Jataka Tale Series Illustrated Mini-book by Rosalyn White Stages: 4+
"I love this book for its simplicity and beauty of the story. I think it is great for both children and adults. I picked it up right after a 10 day retreat at a "Vipassana" friendly bookstore in North Fork. Here is the description from Amazon: A rich man's love of giving is tested when his possessions mysteriously disappear. Even in poverty, his generosity grows, and he works hard to help those in need. When his wealth is restored, the benefits of his giving extend far and wide."
-- Amit Dungarani
By: A Jataka Tale Series Illustrated Mini-book by Rosalyn White Stages: 4+
"I love this book for its simplicity and beauty of the story. I think it is great for both children and adults. I picked it up right after a 10 day retreat at a "Vipassana" friendly bookstore in North Fork. Here is the description from Amazon: A rich man's love of giving is tested when his possessions mysteriously disappear. Even in poverty, his generosity grows, and he works hard to help those in need. When his wealth is restored, the benefits of his giving extend far and wide."
-- Amit Dungarani
Recommended by Amit Dungarani
Be the Change
Talk to your kids about kind things others have done for them and how they felt in response. Then ask them if they'd like to team up with you to make someone else's day too! Not sure how to get started? Read this article by kindness in action expert dad Geoff Nedry on "Introducing Kids to Acts of Kindness." If you need ideas for acts of kindness to do with kids, explore this dedicated section on KindSpring.org, which has loads of suggestions!
