I think serving in our community is really important. These days people are so into their own lives (understandably because people are so busy), that even neighbors seem to be leery of eachother. I want my kids to know how important serving others is to me--they are 5, 3, and 1 so showing is tough, but I've challenged myself to do some small act of service everyday for someone.
This week we've: brought salsa to someone who was sick, given an old lady a ride to the store, cheered some boys on in a basketball game, and now I'm looking for more ideas. Obviously simple ones work best for us. I don't want to stop just because I can't think of anything!
I would love any and all suggestions!!
Brooke Romney is an unbalanced mom of three young boys who constantly has too much to do, and too little time. She writes the Mom Beat column for The Gilbert Republic.
how about picking up trash
how about picking up trash that's not too gross at the park, putting change in the collection plate at church (if that applies), taking a neighbor's newspaper up to the front door, donating some gently used books to the library (our library sells them to patrons and uses the money to purchase new items), cleaning out toys for Goodwill.
On the days you can't think of something, have the kids put money in a jar or can and at the end of the month, donate it to a kid charity. only the five year old will get this but the others will enjoy dropping in the pennies.
Good luck. This is a great goal.
Susie is a discussion leader in the east valley for arizonamoms.com. She has two sons, ages 6 and 2.
You are doing a great job it
You are doing a great job it sounds like!
I want my child to be a giving and helpful child whether it be toward an animal or person. My husband and I have always been big hearted with stray animals, so I hope this is passed on to my son. Helping animals that can't help themselves.
Next, I am big hearted with the elderly. I haven't done it yet, but I intend to visit nursing homes with my 17 month old son and continue as he grows older each year. I want my son to always know the importance of bringing a smile to a person that may not be as fortunate to have a loved one nearby.
One example that I experienced was when my son was teething, my neighbor brought me a basket full of teething supplies. I thought it was a wonderful way to offer support to a friend during a difficult time.
Another example of showing love in the community was when our neighbors and their 5 kids came one night before Christmas to my door singing Christmas carols. Wow, was it touching to our hearts. It shows how little things can mean SO MUCH! On a daily basis, I think parents can show love to the communtiy by just holding the door for someone, smiling at a stranger, or giving your seat up for an elder. Being friendly goes a long way in the community.
One Happy Mom in Arizona.
Thank you so much for
Thank you so much for bringing this up, you have motivated me to look and see what I can bring to my kids to help with the community doing good deeds. I think your doing great,keep doing what your doing,I think with your kids' ages,thats about all that is the most realistic, to actually follow through,when both my parents were diagnosed with cancer (within a week of each other ) several years ago,people would bring little treats into them and just visit them.
Kudos to you,keep up the great work :)
Great ideas, Moms. I'm
Great ideas, Moms. I'm trying to teach my son the "little acts of kindness"--even to people who aren't seemingly in dire need--like, opening the door for a stranger, picking up an article of clothing that's fallen on the floor in a clothing store, letting someone with a small(er) child go ahead of us in the grocery line--I honestly don't know if any of this will make an impact on him, but it sure can't hurt.
These are all great ideas!
These are all great ideas! Another one - my kids love making cards. We rarely buy cards - the kids make them for all occasions. We have a good friend who has been battling cancer & the kids are constantly sending homemade cards to her. Also, baking for sick neighbors or friends. I agree, it's the little things they can do that mean a lot.
Lattemom is the mother of three energetic kids ages 6, 8 & 11 and a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com.