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The holiday season provides us with a wonderful opportunity to teach our children about the importance of giving back and why those less fortunate than us need to be remembered.
According to Beverly Anderson, Executive Director of Ebenezer Child Care Centers with locations in Downtown Milwaukee, Milwaukee’s southside, Oak Creek, and Wauwatosa, “By focusing on giving back and helping others during the holiday season, rather than getting presents and going to parties, children can learn that it feels just as good to give as it does to receive.”
“In addition, by teaching your children about the importance of giving back, they learn to be less self-centered; that there are many people who have much less than them; and that they should always be grateful for what they have.”
Giving Back
Anderson says, “Giving back should be a positive experience for your entire family, so it leaves a lasting impression on your children. If children enjoy the experience of giving back, it will become something they want to do regularly.”
Anderson suggests that families decide together how they think they can best give back to those less fortunate, and that families should consider supporting at least one nonprofit organization in their community.
“If your family loves animals, consider helping your local Humane Society. If your family enjoys cooking, find a homeless shelter in need of assistance with preparing meals. Or, if your family loves to read, donate your gently used books to the Next Door Foundation.
Anderson also says you should use this time of year to discuss with your children why it is important to give back by drawing simple comparisons to their own lives.
For example, “We are going to donate this food to the local food bank, because some families can’t afford to buy groceries like we do. But, they are still get very hungry and need to eat.” This gives children the opportunity to ask questions and to better understand the world around them. It can also help children feel a sense of gratitude for the blessings they have in their lives.
“It’s all about taking what your family is passionate about or enjoys doing and helping those less fortunate. By helping others in this manner, it will be fun for your children, and they will be inspired to make it part of their regular routine.”
“Then, make it a goal to do something positive for the organization you select during each season. If you teach your children that they have the power to change the world, they just might do it.”
Ebenezer Child Care Centers is a not-for-profit, locally based agency committed to providing early childhood programs from the heart. The agency prides itself on being different from other child care providers in that it offers a home-like atmosphere; individualized, nurturing care; and a structured curriculum that is virtues-based for every child’s developmental stage.
Every Ebenezer Child Care Center focuses on all aspects of a child’s development: cognitive, physical, emotional, and social. In addition to providing quality care, the agency also offers free Parenting Talks and other educational programming all aimed at helping parents.
The agency has locations in downtown Milwaukee, on Milwaukee’s southside, and in Oak Creek, and Wauwatosa. The agency’s main office is located at 1496 South 29th Street, Milwaukee. For more information, please call 414-643-5070.