4 ways I’m raising my child to GIVE

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I pray our children will never have to go through difficult situations in their lives.

I thank God that we’re able to provide them with more than just their needs. But as parents we do recognize that it’s easy to become comfortable in our little family bubble and not think twice about the needs of others not as fortunate. That’s why my husband and I believe it’s important that we, as a family, make a conscious, deliberate effort to give back to those in need.

We aren’t rich (at least not yet!) but from what God has given us, we choose to sow back.

4 ways I'm raising my child to GIVE- MommySnippets.com

4 ways I’m raising my child to GIVE {#100MillionReasons}

There are different ways you can involve your child in your family’s giving back projects. And yes, I’m back with my love for acronyms with these ways to G.I.V.E.4 ways I'm raising my child to GIVE- MommySnippets.com

1. Get one-give one principle

In our home we have a rule. If our children receive a toy, they need to go through the toys they already have to pick one that they’ve out-played or  don’t play with to donate to our local home for abused children or to the children’s home our missionary friend visits. Not only does this curb clutter but also reminds children that there are children out there who don’t have as many toys as they do.

toys

2. Identify ways to cut back on unecessary splurges and set aside that money for a good cause.

There are so many organizations out there that are doing such a wonderful job in helping make a difference in a child’s life. Our family stands behind what the team at St. Jude’s Hospital does for children affected by cancer. We also make it a point to pack shoeboxes with gifts of love, every Christmas, with the Operation Christmas Child mission.

Operation-Christmas-Child-5-687x515

Several years ago, my husband and I decided we would sponsor a child through World Vision. Fast-forward a few years and today, we’re thankful we’re able to support three children, 2 girls in India and a boy in Africa. The children pray for K, N and M daily and there’s always so much joy when we receive letters and drawings from the children.

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Our little is much for their families.

3. Vow to buy from brands that give back. Educate your child of their efforts and support them through your patronage. 

There are many brands out there that take social responsibility seriously. Take Centrum vitamins for example. They’ve partnered with Vitamin Angels and Walgreens to bring 100 million mothers and children essential nutrients and vitamins.

Vitamins of some sort or the other are on our health regime daily. When you buy your Centrum vitamins from Walgreens, a portion of your purchase goes towards Vitamin Angels’ #100MillionReasons campaign.

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You can find Centrum vitamins in the vitamins aisle at your local Walgreens. When you spend $30 or more on eligible Centrum products, you will receive 10,000 Balance Reward points.  

4. Encourage your child to join you for community events and give-back projects, especially if he/she can see who it is he/she is helping.

My daughter’s girl scout troop helped sort out cans at the Food Bank and while they didn’t get to meet the families who’re being benefited by the canned food drive, they did get to listen to the Food Bank supervisor share stories of families who walk through those doors.

A few months ago, though, I did get to take Dottie to an event at our local children’s hospital cancer wing. We donated the books I’ve received with my partnership with Harper Collins and she was able to see, first hand, the joy on the patients’ faces when they realized they could pick a book or two of choice.

Books Harper Collins Cancer Children's Hospital Donation- Mommy SnippetsThe sweetest moment at the event happened when she was able to get a fussy 2 year old to take his first few mouthfuls of food after not having eaten for 18 hours. I know that touched her heart in a very special way and when we left she asked if she could join me again at the next event.

I pray, you will find ways and means to get your children involved in give back projects as this year comes to a close. And if your family does various projects, may you find new needs in your community and beyond, that your family can help fulfill.

small thing you do quote

 

 I’d love to hear what give-back projects your family undertakes. Hop over to share the same on this Facebook post and/or tweet