Teaching our children the power of giving and the value of empathy might be some of the most rewarding lessons we can offer as parents. That’s because we double the impact when we model these actions.
The opportunities to teach are endless:
- Volunteering with a nonprofit organization (Check out Miami Mom Collective’s Nonprofit Guide)
- Participating in community programs through our house of worship
- Reading books about helping and acts of kindness
- Incorporating charitable giving in our children’s allowance or money lessons
Blessing Bags
One of my family’s favorite ways of lending a hand throughout the year is to make Blessing Bags or Red Light Bags. These are zipper or drawstring bags of basic necessities that we pack up in batches and keep in our car to hand out when we see a person in need. Within seconds, we are able to extend a kind gesture, connect with someone new, and make a difference.
Sharing these bags is always a wonderfully positive experience. And no words can express the emotion of witnessing your kids feel the magnitude of helping. I’ll admit I tear up every single time.
A run to the store for these makes for an awesome field trip. Be creative and have your kiddos come up with their own list. These small items offer some pretty big blessings. Here are some examples of travel-sized items we put in our Blessing Bags for women, men, and children:
- High-protein or high-energy foods like tuna or chicken pouches, protein or granola bars, and dried fruit
- Bottles of water and/or non-perishable juices
- Socks
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss
- Brushes, combs, and pocket mirrors
- SPF lip balm and sunscreen (Miami!)
- Deodorant
- Tampons and pads
- Bandaids
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- Pen and notebook
- If your budget allows, add a gift card to a local grocery or big-box store.
Each bag is topped off with a handwritten note or drawing to let the recipient know we’re thinking of them and to offer a colorful addition to their day.
The Hidden Blessing
My kids are better with tracking bag inventory in the car than I am and get terribly upset with me when we’re overdue in our (or my) run to the store for more items. Yet, secretly, I find their disappointment in me to be the best proof that they’ll keep on helping others as they grow.
