| Whether you celebrate the holidays for their religious | | | | own blessings, through volunteering. |
| significance, or as a time for the fellowhip of friends | | | | At an early age, volunteering with your child need not |
| and family-if you have small children, you know that | | | | be organized-something as simple as picking up litter in |
| Santa's visit is definitely the focus of their attention. | | | | the park is an expression of care. While your child is |
| It's not unhealthy, according to most experts, for | | | | very young, and until you're sure she won't put found |
| children to learn to relate to the season from an | | | | objects in her mouth, you can make a game of it-have |
| inherently "selfish" point of view. As every parent | | | | her "find" litter, and you pick it up. |
| knows, in early development, kids regard what is | | | | As she grows, your volunteer activities can expand |
| satisfying-whether it's a hug or a meal-as special, so if | | | | gradually to include direct involvement with others, as |
| a holiday promises pleasing rewards, then children learn | | | | your daughter learns to grow comfortable with people |
| that it must be special, too. | | | | she hasn't met. For instance, picking an afternoon to |
| But there's another aspect to childhood development | | | | make and deliver homemade Christmas cards to an |
| that adults are less aware of: the desire of children to | | | | elderly neighbor or a nursing home resident, or helping a |
| comfort others. It can be as blatant as a two-year-old | | | | disabled or elderly neighbor decorate a room for the |
| being upset when her older sister cries, or as subtle as | | | | season is an easy way to include your child in an |
| a one-year-old pointing to a cuddle toy, an object that | | | | activity that's positive, without being intimidating. And |
| gives him comfort. Well-loved children instinctively want | | | | your daughter will see that she can brighten someone |
| everyone around them to feel the same safety and | | | | else's holiday just as she brightens yours. |
| love that they feel. Parents can nurture and further | | | | Eventually, as your child grows, these volunteer |
| develop this natural empathy in their children, which can | | | | activities can be expanded beyond the holiday season. |
| then develop into positive lifelong habits. | | | | You may, as a family, prepare a meal, once a month, |
| You probably noticed that, as your child began to walk | | | | for an invalid, or help out at an animal shelter. Many |
| and follow you around, she naturally tried to "help" you | | | | cities have organizations which can help you choose |
| with chores or activities. Encouraging this kind of | | | | age-appropriate volunteer activities for you and your |
| helpfulness with praise and love will help your daughter | | | | child. |
| understand the value of working together. As she | | | | And the benefits extend far beyond childhood. Studies |
| grows, she'll seek ways to be even more helpful to | | | | have shown that children who engage in volunteer |
| you and your family. | | | | activities with their parents grow to be active |
| The holiday season just may be the perfect time to | | | | volunteers, themselves. |
| show her that her desire to help can have benefits | | | | Realizing she's helped others to enjoy the season will |
| outside the home, as well, and that she can have a | | | | make Santa's visit even more special to your daughter. |
| positive effect on the lives of people outside her family. | | | | Realizing you've helped shape a caring, concerned |
| It's also the perfect time for the whole family to | | | | individual will make every holiday season even more |
| express concern for others and thankfulness for your | | | | special for you. |