Cultivate Character
Grooming your child’s mind and heart
It’s important to help your children develop kindness, generosity and self-sacrifice through practical, “real-life” experiences. Here are a few ways to turn everyday activities into opportunities to help others.
• When your family cooks a meal or a batch of cookies, make a little extra to bring to a busy family you know. Afterwards, talk about what it feels like to do something nice for someone.
• When it comes time to sort through your children’s old books, toys and clothes, make a point of giving things away. Find a way to make it fun and meaningful. Make a game out of the process or help your children develop an imagined version of a child who might be receiving the items.
• If the family needs a little exercise, stop by your local animal shelter and take a dog for a much-needed walk.
• If your children enjoy painting and coloring, spend an afternoon creating an assortment of art projects, then bring them to a nursing home or hospital. The color and creativity will bring smiles to the patients’ faces.