How many times have you been to the store and heard children saying:
“Give me!”
“I want!”
“But, MOM!”
We are raising children in a world of entitlement. A generation of children who often believe that they deserve everything. Kids and adults don’t seem to want to help other people unless they get something in return. People aren’t as friendly as they used to be, even in the retail world where their job is to help others!
I say hog wash.
I am trying to be different, and trying to teach my kids to be different also. I want others to see Christ’s love in us, and wonder why we are different! I want to raise children who want to give back. I want to raise children who want to serve others. I want to raise a giver. Here’s how I am striving to raise a giver and how you can to!
The best way to raise a giver is to model giving. You can do this on your own or with your children. Here are some ways that you can model giving.
Be a coupon fairy! I actually like doing this, and finding these! If you have a coupon that you know will expire before you use it, or you know you will not need, pass it on! You can leave the coupon on top of the item in the store. The next person to buy that item will enjoy the unexpected money saved! Get the kids involved by having them look for the items at the store.
Give stuff away! If you or your kids are not going to use it, why not give it to someone who you know needs it? This could be furniture, bedding, jackets, kid’s clothes or toys, anything that you know you do not need. The homeless shelter is a great place to donate items to, but many times there could be a need in your church or neighborhood. Yes, it is great to have a yard sale and get some extra cash. But, if someone has a need now-it is even better to be a blessing!
Buy someone’s dinner. We were on the receiving end of this before! One day we were out to eat with the kids and our waitress came over and told us that another customer had chosen to pay our bill. We were shocked, and considered it such a blessing. If you have the funds this is a great way to bless others!
Bake Treats for Others–Christmas is also a great time to bake treats for those in those in your church who are homebound, for neighbors you want to bless, or community service individuals you want to thank.
Buy Gifts for Others–Have your child pick a name from an “angel tree” and purchase gifts. Pack a box for Operation Christmas Child! Purchase a few new toys and donate them to a local cause that may be collecting for local children in need.
So, want to raise a giver? First you must model giving! Then, find a way for you and your children to give back to your community together.
Having fallen behind in clothes buying for our family, I would spend the money getting needed items. 🙂
Kids grow like weeds!! Good luck 🙂
This would be awesome! My family has a ministry to the Amazon in Peru and it would be a great blessing to be able to purchase a case of study bibles for the pastors there!
That is an awesome goal!! Good luck 🙂
I have been wanting to update on my homeschool/ playroom!
Oh, what a fun idea! Good luck and Merry Christmas!!
A family vacation after deployment!:)
Oh fun!!! Thank you for your family’s service <3 Good luck and Merry Christmas!
This extra money would allow me to pick several angels from the giving tree. It is so much fun shopping for others and even more so when you know it is someone in need. 🙂
Yes!! We have done that a few times. SO much fun!! Good luck and Merry Christmas 🙂
After a long time of my husband and I feeling like I needed to quit my job and be home with the kids more, yet not knowing exactly how financially we could do it. We recently took a leap of faith and I am only working one day a week now. I love being home with my kids!! I am so thankful to have this opportunity. And God as blessed us much more than we deserve or even need and I am so very thankful! This is an awesome giveaway and if I won the raffle we would use it to pay bills.
Yay congrats!! I remember stepping out on faith it was such a huge leap, but God has provided every step of the way!
Good luck 🙂
This was so convicting. I want to model being a giver and these ideas are so doable! I’ll be sharing this on FB with my followers!
Thank you Kim!!
I love this blog about giving back! I have always been a giver. Unfortunately, this year my husband has been out of work for almost a month and we’ve been unable to give. It’s so hard to hear, “Mommy, when are we getting gifts under the tree?”
We have been there! Believe me 🙂 Prayers to and your family during this difficult season!
Thank you!
I would use this to help get the kids christmas! And of course for them to get a child in need something also.
Fun! Good luck 🙂