Being generous is a trait that
we, as parents, would like to teach our children early on in life. Sharing our
possessions, talents, and time do not only benefit those on the receiving end,
but also give us immeasurable joy and fulfillment that nothing else can give.
This Christmas season is a great time to teach our kids the spirit of generosity. We involve Alexa and Sophia in choosing gifts for our family and friends. They help us wrap the gifts and make the gift tags. This year also, my husband and I decided to donate a lot of their unused and less used toys and books to the Philippine Toy Library. They were the ones who chose which toys and books to give away and share with less fortunate kids.
Teaching our twin girls how to share has been a priority for my husband and I since they were born. It would have been impractical for us to buy two of everything for them -- not to mention very expensive – just so they would not fight over a toy or a dress. For us, the key to teaching generosity has been constant repetition and making sure that we follow through on what we say. We show them by example that sharing is good and right, and point out that they feel better after sharing with each other than by playing alone or being selfish with something.
Our hope, as parents, would be to
raise healthy and happy children, who are sensitive to those around them who
have needs that they themselves do not struggle with everyday. By teaching them
how to share early on, we are hopefully rearing responsible people who possess
kind hearts and big, generous spirits.
