Ideas for Teaching 4 Yr Old How to "Give Back"

I took my daughter every year to the homeless shelter and together we served meals to the less fortunate. Today, she works in a social work field.

My almost 3 year old grandson helps me and his Mama to make cookies, banana nut bread...other holiday treats and then he draws pictures and "dictates" notes to Police Officers and Fire Department Personnel and then he goes with us and we deliver them to them to thank them for keeping us safe...or working on holidays...or whatever the reason is for the visit. He ADORES getting tours of the fire station...and the men and women are always so gracious to him and to us.
Congratulations on wanting to teach your children the spirit of gratitude and wanting to help others...I really think it pays off in for the rest of their lives...my children...who are all adults now have always been involved in volunteering and helping others.
Merry Christmas!!!

posted this on another one - but fits here

I have bought cards at Dollar General and plan to have the kids sign them to take to the local nirsing home. Most are very lonley - I also talked to the homeroom teachers for both grades and they are going to have the class for each one of the kids sign a box of cards for me to take. The cards were like $2.00 for 20 - but I think my kids will learn that it is not about presents or other stuff - it is kindness- the nursing center is very excited to get them and it will brighten the residents Christmas day beyond what I could understand - they spend most days alone.

Call your local nursing homes. The holidays can be very lonely for the elderly, especially if they don't have family nearby. Just spending time with them can be a wonderful gift.

I hosted a "toys for tots" playgroup where mom group friends came over to play, but they had to bring a new toy for donation. Then, I dropped them off at a drop-off location. Other moms appreciate this b/c they get to play, and they do not have to make a special trip to drop the toy off somewhere (usually a bank or store). You can also gather old / small clothes or misc. items for donations, and explain the reasoning to your kids. My kids are 4 and 2 and I've been involving them in things like this so they understand from a young age not everyone is so fortunate.

We also have rung the Salvation Army bell. My daughter and son (5 & 2) loved ringing the bell and singing "Jingle Bells" to the people coming out of the store. I think we raised a lot of $$ too b/c no one could seem to pass them up without contributing :)

That is a splendid decision. Call your city hall and ask about present wrapping, food pantries, etc My son was in the service up until fairly recently and my advice is to call a local office and ask if there is a specific person who would enjoy a card. It is harder for them to divide up generic cards for just anyone, but there might be a name or list of people who would like some.

I'm so glad that there's more Mommys out there that have this same idea for their children. I love all the answers too!! Oh my gosh, some very good ones!
There are many ways to do this. I generally invite all the Mom's and their children over one day before Christmas. Typically it's during the School break, but it's hard if you're a working parent, so an evening is suffice. Prior to this Giving Blanket party (yes, I know, I am a huge blanket fan), each Household (well, kids, but you know what I mean) will pick a theme of what to give, the children work together to find these gifts to pay forward. In essense it's like your own at home scavenger hunt, for things that are needed. We all get together, each family bringing their themed giving goods, and we wrap them up, or package them up together, the kids make a big card but we do not have them sign their names, or ours. They make a "secret Santa" card. We all spend that day delivering the gifts to the spots that each home has designated. The reason the card(s) aren't signed because we want them to not only learn that giving is important, but to do so without any type of recognition. They love it, and look forward to getting together with their friends (we do this with our old neighborhood and it's great to have a get together with the parents-mom's and kids). Each house also brings one bag of snacks for the entire household to munch on. The kids look forward to "showing their givings" and they're all together. It's more then just a social "playdate," but a lesson that we all hope will someday become part of their tradition. My son's ages are 4, 6 and recently 9. Have fun with it! Maybe even ask your children what they'd want to do, how to do it, and what to give to.

My husband is a member of our local Lions Club. Every Christmas we put together food baskets and wrap presents for needy families in the area...We deliver them 1 week before Christmas. We take our 5 and 2 yr old girls with us and let them carry in something. They love doing it and my 5 yr old cried last year when we were all done delivering. Check with your local Lions Club to see if they do something like that. They will appreciate the help!

Every year we volunteer to ring the Salvation Army bell.