One of the most important lessons children need to learn is that they are so very fortunate and blessed. They have a family that loves them. They have a home to stay warm, and they have food on the table to fill their bellies. The holidays are a good time to educate them that not everyone has it as good as them.

Let your homeschool students get involved with a charity and do some giving. It doesn’t matter what they contribute, as long as they do. Here are some ideas to help foster the giving spirit in your homeschoolers.

# It could be an old toy, book, or clothes that don’t fit anymore given away to an orphanage.

# The children could be encouraged to make something, like edible treats or decorations which can be given to less fortunate families.

# A collection drive can be organized throughout the neighborhood and the children can be tasked with collecting all the items donated.

# They can help elderly neighbors with yard work and doing their basic grocery shopping.

# Children can be taken to an old age home and read out to the elderly there. They can even be encouraged to conduct an entertainment activity like a play or a dance.

# They can help rake leave, mow the lawn and pick up after a storm for families in the neighborhood that need the help.

# The children can volunteer at activities organized by the local church or community center by donating their valuable time.

The truth is that children learn from the example that their parents set far more than the lectures that they receive. This makes it important to make giving a family norm rather than just encouraging your homeschool students to be more charitable.

If the homeschool parent celebrates their birthday by sponsoring a meal at an orphanage, it teaches the children to care for the less fortunate rather than for material goodies. It can’t be a one off thing either, as what is seen regularly is what gets reinforced. So ensure that you harbor the giving spirit and your children will be sure to develop it as well.