Teaching Preschoolers the Act of Service
It’s that time of year again. Winter wind brings sweater weather and those warm, fuzzy feelings that the season is known for. During the holidays, adults and children alike go out of their way to help those less fortunate. However, it can be difficult to instill those values in younger children, especially at the preschool age. The best way to teach preschoolers the act of service is by involving them in acts you already do.
Holiday Baking
Baking holiday treats is not only a common tradition in many households, but also a great way of bringing light into someone’s life. Involving your preschooler with the mixing process or laying down glops of delicious cookie dough will teach them what it’s like to bake, as well as give them a sense of pride when you deliver them together.
After baking your favorite treats, deliver them to those less fortunate. Delivering baked goods to children’s hospitals can be both humbling for your child and enlightening for someone else’s. Another great place to bring your treats is nursing homes, since many of the residents do not have many visitors.
Community Clean Up
Initially, your preschooler may not be too fond of cleaning up their community. However, making it fun will instill those values of helping the environment and helping others. Go to the park for a clean-up scavenger hunt, searching for specific trash items to check off of a list. Add rewards for completing the list and let your preschooler play for a while afterwards.
Cleaning up the community also gives young children the sense of ownership of their neighborhood. It prevents them from thinking that littering is acceptable behavior and will teach them values they can carry on throughout the year.
Participate in Item Drives
Item drives are a large part of the holiday season. Organizations try to bring in toys for foster children or canned food for their local food banks. This can be a great opportunity to discuss the importance of helping the less fortunate, even if you cannot see them. For example, talking to your preschooler about the child their toy may go to can help your child visualize the impact they are making on someone else’s life.
