Teaching children to give and serve

On Halloween day my son began putting toys into his trick or treat bag. I told him that he didn’t have to bring any toys because he would be getting candy to put in his bag. He told me that he wanted to bring his toys to give to the other kids trick or treating. That was a proud momma moment that my kid wanted to give toys to other kids. It was also reminder how important reminder that I need to teach him how to love and give to others, so I brainstormed ways that I can teach him this. Some of these or activities that I can do with him; some of these activities are things I will do on my own, because I think the most important way to teach children is by example. If my son sees me doing something he will realize it is important.

“Train your child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

1)      Teach about sharing. This is one we working on. My son is the only child at home (not for long because I am expecting a baby in December) so we are working on learning to share toys with other children he interacts with.

“With my whole heart I seek you, let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart that I may not sin against you.” Psalm 119:10-11

2)      Spend time with God daily in bible reading and prayer. Spending time with God fills me up with his love. In this time God gives me ideas on how I can give, serve, and love others throughout the day.

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

3)      Donate old toys and clothes. I am in the process of going through my old clothes, and Ezra’s old clothes and toys that his baby sister will not be able to use. I want to explain to him that it’s good to give these things away to someone else that may be able to use them.

4)      Look for opportunities to donate items. This is something I want to start doing monthly with my son. Some ideas I have are buying canned goods and donating them during the holidays, buying toys during Christmas time for kids who are in need, and buying hygiene items and bringing them to local shelters. I plan on taking on taking my son with me to buy these items, so that I can explain to him why we are buying these items and giving them away.

“For even the son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom to many.” Mark 10:45

5)      Serve others daily. I will pray every day and ask God who I can serve today. Then I will look for opportunities to serve others whether it is my husband, a friend or a stranger. It may be as simple as helping my husband with a task he normally does himself or letting a stranger go before me in line at the grocery store. If I do things like this my son will see how important is to give you to others by serving them. I want him to see that it’s not always about performing big gestures for others, but our small kind actions are just as important.

What are some of the things you do to teach your children about giving and loving others?