Teaching Kids (and Teens) to Give Back This Holiday Season

With so much shopping to do and so many gifts waiting to be unwrapped, it’s easy to get caught up in the commercial nature of the holiday season. But as parents, it’s also important to teach our children that the holidays can be about much more than the presents we receive.

This December, get your kids and teens in the giving spirit by reminding them of the true reason for the season. We’ve rounded up a few helpful resources – and some great local opportunities for St. Louis families to give back – to help you get started.

The Giving Book, by Ellen Sabin

According to one 2010 study, the biggest influence on how frequently teenagers volunteer, raise money or donate is whether or not their parents taught them to do so. Thirty-three percent of teens who give often reported that their parents explained to them how their actions could help others. So basically, if we want to raise kids who give back, we have to help them learn how.

One way we can do this is through Ellen Sabin’s The Giving Book: Open the Door to a Lifetime of Giving. Geared toward kids ages 6-11, this interactive activity book not only teaches children about the joy that comes from helping others, it actively engages them in the process.

For another learning tool, you may want to buy your child a MoonJar. With three compartments – one for saving, one for spending and one for sharing – this modern twist on the traditional piggy bank encourages philanthropy as standard procedure when any money or allowance is received.

Donating toys is a great way to help kids feel like they're helping others, and there are several organizations in St. Louis collecting toys this holiday season:

• Teach your kids to give by helping them pick out a present that isn’t for them, and then donating the gift at any area Toys for Tots drop-off location.  
• The Chesterfield location of Five Below is collecting toys for local non-profit Sweet Celebrations all season long.
• Toys for toddlers (especially musical toys) are much-needed by St. Louis Children’s Hospital right now.

Collect Outgrown Toys in “Santa Sacks”

If Santa visits your home and leaves presents beneath the tree, then it stands to reason that he could also take items from beneath your tree. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, have each of your children fill a Santa Sack with the toys they no longer play with, on the understanding that Santa will collect those sacks and donate the toys to children who need them.

This is an especially fun way to introduce the concept of giving into your holiday when you have toddlers or preschoolers who aren’t old enough to participate in other types of volunteer activities. And if you have older children or don’t do the Santa thing, you can still make it a tradition to have your kids donate some of their belongings to a local charity every December.

Give the Gift of Your Time

Teaching kids to enjoy giving to others doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. With a few free hours, there are lots of ways that you and your children can work together this holiday season to make a difference – big or small – in the life of someone else. For example:

• Both the St. Louis Area Foodbank and Operation Food Search depend on the work of volunteers. And even young children can start a food drive by collecting canned food items from friends and family to donate.
• Animals need help around the holidays too! Get your kids to gather up old blankets and towels, and help them deliver the items to a local animal shelter.  
• Teens (and their parents) can participate in the many holiday volunteer opportunities available with the United Way of Greater St. Louis this December.

Teach your kids and teens how to give back to others now while they’re young, and – if you’re lucky – it will develop into a habit that will last a lifetime.