One of the greatest gifts you can impart to your children is the desire to serve others, to give of their time, sympathy and attention in behalf of those in need. That is what one twelve-year-old boy did.
“A boy on our block lost his father recently, and I really felt sorry for him. I wanted to do something to help him so talked it over with my dad, and he said we could include him in some of our family activities. I’ve invited him over to our house, but he doesn’t seem to want to be with anybody now. But I intend to keep trying."
Would your children get involved like that? Are they concerned for others? They will be, with encouragement from you. Here are five easy ways you can encourage your children to give of themselves while traveling.
- Teach by example. Whether you like it or not, your children will imitate what they see you do. So set a good example by giving of your time and attention to others.
- Teach them to give of their time to their grandparents or others advanced in years. For example, have your kids read for their grandparents or other senior citizens since they may have poor eyesight. This is an excellent way to spend quality time with grandma on a road trip.
- Encourage them to notice and help older persons. One way they can do this is by giving up their seat to an older person on the bus or in the train or at the airport while travelling.
- Encourage them to be quiet while grandad takes his afternoon nap. Reward them with a trip to the zoo.
- Encourage them to give a toy they no longer use to someone who would appreciate it. That might be a nice gift to take for a favorite cousin during the next family reunion.
Teaching children the art of giving is one of the best ways to prepare them for their future roles as husbands, wives and, eventually, parents. What better gift could you give to the world?
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