As the holiday season approaches, it’s a wonderful opportunity to teach little ones about the joy of giving back.

Here are four ways that young children can contribute to their communities and spread cheer:

Card Making: Children can use their creativity to make holiday cards. These homemade treasures can then be donated to local nursing homes, hospitals, or shelters, bringing a personal touch of warmth to those who might be in need of cheer during the holiday season.
Donating Toys: Take your kids shopping… for someone else. Many schools and houses of worship have programs where you can buy for a family in need. Have your child choose the gift, wrap it, and drop it in the gift bin.
Participating in Food Drives: Even the youngest family members can help pick out canned goods or non-perishable items during your next grocery trip to contribute to a local food bank or pantry’s holiday drive. Involving them in the selection process can make the act of giving more tangible.
Acts of Kindness: Encourage your child to do things like drawing a picture for a neighbor, helping a sibling with a task, or even just sharing a smile. These gestures can go a long way in fostering a giving spirit.

Holiday giving is so important. Equally important? Raising kids who contribute all year long.

Teaching children practical skills that have a tangible impact is one of the most underrated ways to raise them to be individuals who contribute positively to society. When kids know how to do a job well, they build the confidence to help others. ⁣

Here’s how you can do this at home:

Allow them to hold a heavy door open for strangers.
Let them carry the diaper bag to the car for you when your hands are full. ⁣
⁣Let them push the buttons on the washing machine and help you carry the heavy load down to the basement.
Put them in charge of matching socks and putting them away in people’s drawers ⁣

Instead of saying how nice they are, tell them how they impacted others. ⁣