picture this: squirming toddler in arms, holding hands with 6 year old, pushing VERY full grocery cart out of store, navigating my way through parking lot and speed bumps. homeless man walks up asking for help. sheepish smile and eye-contact avoidance as i say, "sorry" and keep juggling. less than a moment later, 6 year old says, "mom, i thought you were all about helping people".
YIKES!
this just reinforced what i knew but mostly forget, which is that our kids look to us for clues on how to treat others.
SO, to rectify this shameful memory, i have a plan of action. care to join?
i'm taking my kids to a restaurant that sells GIFT CARDS. buying some, and then WITH MY KIDS, handing them to a person(s) who looks like they need some food. or i can get a few and leave them in the car for when those moments may arise.
if you want to incorporate your child's giving/ spending into this activity, ideas for their own money are; a penny jar (see "penny for your thoughts" post below), money from allowance (one third for saving, one third for spending and one third for donating is a good rule of thumb) or birthday cash all work well.
alternately, a simple but always effective plan, bake or bring leftovers to a person in your neck of the woods. BRING YOUR KIDS WITH YOU. pack it as if you were going to have a brown bag lunch, plastic utensils, a drink and napkins.
in both cases, if you or your children feel apprehensive approaching recipients, it is perfectly acceptable (and maybe even suggested) to stay in the car and pull up near them.
the lesson: need i say it? your kids will see you treating people in need with compassion. they WILL follow your lead.
***added bonus: you'll avoid being shamed (take it from one who knows).
here are some links to restaurants that sell gift cards:
