As we enter into the holiday season, one book and its key concept keeps popping into my head: Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World. I’ve been following Dr. Borba’s writings on this subject and it has really struck a chord with me. She focuses on ways we can teach our kids to think about WE instead of just ME. As she notes, empathy is not innate; kids must be taught it and we as parents must model it.
We are constantly trying in our home to encourage an attitude of gratefulness and unselfishness with our kids. Now, granted at ages 7 and 3, this is not the easiest task. We know from research that kids really don’t have the brain maturity to think about much other than themselves for quite a while. Our 7-year-old, however, is getting to the age where gratitude and unselfish behavior is a possibility, at least some of the time.
This attitude of gratitude, however, is sometimes even harder to create during the holidays (as ironic as that is) because of our culture of commercialization and consumption. Holidays often become centered around toys, presents and the dreaded “I want” monster.
In light of this, I wanted to create a different kind of gift guide this season. Yes, it does include items to purchase, but this guide focuses on gifts that promote empathy, kindness and giving back to others.
Charitable Gifts:
– Help send a care package to military service members: organizations such as Operation Gratitude collect items and donations to send to service men and women stationed all over the world. You can donate items, money or help assemble packages.
– Donate items to a homeless pet shelter: shelters for homeless pets are always in need of food, treats, toys, etc. for the pets they care for. Kids will probably love picking out pet items for some cute animals that really need help.
You may also enjoy: Social-Emotional Development: The Ultimate Guide for Parents
Thinking of Others:
– Gift lists for others: kids always get excited about writing a letter to Santa with their gift list included. How about encouraging them to write a gift list for others. What would mom, dad, grandma, or uncle like for Christmas?
– Buying (or making) gifts for others: if your child is old enough to be earning some “pocket change” then encourage them to save it up to buy a gift for a beloved friend or relative. Of course, most adults also love gifts that are handmade by a child. Pull out those craft supplies and make some gifts.
– Make “blessing bags” together: a few years ago my moms’ group made bags for the homeless individuals you see on the street while you’re stopped at a stop light. Usually they include just some basic necessities and snacks. The first time we handed one out to a person at a street corner, it really made an impression on my son. Since then, we’ve been making them every few months, especially during the cold winter months.
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Gifts that give back:
– Kindness Elves: We all are familiar with the Elf on the Shelf. While some think he’s loads of fun, I also felt a little icky about the idea of the “big brother watching out for you doing wrong” idea. The Kindness Elves just feel more realistic and meaningful to me. They still do silly antics at night, but in the morning they have suggestions for random acts of kindness that kids can do.
Little Loving Hands: I found this subscription box a couple of years ago and I just love the concept. Kids love crafts but parents often do not want all the crafts relics cluttering up the house. This clever gift solves this problem. Kids can craft to their hearts’ content and then donate the crafts to a charity. A win-win for parents and kids!
Gifts That Promote Connection and Kindness
Not all games and toys are just a fun diversion. Research tells us that kids learn valuable social-emotional lessons through play. In this large market of toys and games, there are actually a few out there that help kids learn cooperation and build connection with others.
Vertellis–conversation card game
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Moonjar–helps kids learn about sharing and saving money
Stone Soup–a cooperative board game that helps with memory too
This or That?–fun family game that helps promote connection and bonding
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