Raising empathetic children may not seem like a top priority when we look at the daunting task of just making sure they survive their educational demands, social drama and overall young angst that comes with the territory of being a child. But it is important that they are also raised to think of others and in turn appreciate the gifts they have in their own lives.

The holiday season is a great opportunity to work on this. Below you will find FIVE ways to begin instilling a sense of community and in turn empathy for others less fortunate within your kids.

1.) Volunteer Time

There are many organizations that are looking for families to donate time and energy to helping those less fortunate in their community. For example, our local YMCA hosted a food drive and it followed with volunteers who organized those donations, decorated boxes to make the gift a bit more festive and then filled them with enough for a Thanksgiving meal. Those boxes were then handed out to families in need.

My daughter’s Girl Scout Troop met up to participate and I thoroughly enjoyed using this event as a catalyst for talking with my daughter about what this effort would mean to families in need. As a result of that conversation, she was so proud to grab the biggest bag of rice and largest can of soup for “her family’s” box so they would have plenty to eat. Of course, she will never know who “her family” was, but she was proud to be providing some joy for them which in turn, made me proud of her.

By involving your kids in an effort like this one, it opens up the potential for discussion about those less fortunate then themselves and that is a discussion worth having.

2.) Donate Goods

If you are low on time, consider donating goods to several charities throughout the holiday season. Join in on the programs that adopt entire families and donate gifts for each person in one family. Spearhead your own food drive within your neighborhood and then donate those items to a local food bank. Go through your family toys and donate those that are gently used to a children’s ward at the hospital. Make cards for soldiers and send them in the mail with the rest of your holiday cards. These are all efforts that take minimal time and allow for you to guide your children to a more empathetic perspective on the needs of others.

3.) Raise Money

Choose a charity and host an event at home where those who attend pay a “cover” to join in. Have local businesses donate prizes for your guests to win. Games like Pokeno, Bunco, Poker and others that require a large number to attend are a perfect way to make this happen. Host a Cake Walk in your community and have those interested donate baked goods to be sold. All money raised from the Cake Walk would be donated. Involve your children in this effort by handing out flyers to the neighborhood and baking their own goods for the sale.

 4.) Raise Awareness through Social Media 

If you have teens at home, they are likely no stranger to social media. Research with them the different organizations hosting toy or fund drives and have your children use their social media presence to promote those events online. Find the proper hashtags for organizations like Share Our Strength’s #NoKidHungry campaign. By simply sharing this hashtag you as well as your child could raise awareness. It’s a simple act that takes minimal time and effort and it can result in a lasting impact.

5.) Become Knowledgeable  

Get to know your community and figure out where there is the most need. Work from there to determine what you are capable of offering in the way of help.  Whether that is time, money or raising awareness – join in with your kids to alleviate need this holiday season. Work as a family to decide what the best fit is for you.

By exposing your children to the struggles of others you are arming them with empathy, a much needed life skill.  Use teachable moments to bring to light how the smallest of efforts can play a large role in lightening the burden of those in need and you will find yourself with a child that sees outside of their own small world.

How do you teach your children to give back? How do you instill a sense of empathy for others within your children?

Meet the Author | Nicole

Nicole is the Managing Editor here at Savvy Sassy Moms. She is a cabernet sipping, stiletto wearing mama to three girls. She takes pride in caring for herself and the fact that she's never owned a pair of "Mom Jeans". When Nicole isn't here with the other Savvy Mama's she's blogging at her personal blog Moments that Define Life or tweeting @MTDLBlog

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