Health - Blogs
Let Your Child Deliver a Holiday Punch
Posted: Nov 29, 2011 10:10 PM
As many of my readers know, I am a mother and Children's Book Author. I have a long-standing history of working with and improving the health and wellbeing of underserved youth in Tucson, Arizona. When the Holiday Season comes around I cannot help but think of how many of our Nation's youth are living in poverty and will face this season by doing without. I feel fortunate to have a loving family and caring friends who assist in making my life complete with countless blessings of the heart.
This year consider involving your children in the process of selfless giving. Punch or Gift Cards need not be something one only purchase or obtain in a store. Creating your own signature Punch or Gift Cards is a great tradition to establish with your family. Teaching stewardship, volunteerism, and thankfulness is a wonderful way to introduce children to the concept of giving.
Punch or Gift Card Giving
STEP ONE - Set a date, time, and location to hold a family meeting to discuss why you think it is important to give of one's self during the Holiday Season.
STEP TWO - Prior to the meeting, ask each family member to write down three to five tasks they enjoy doing and would be willing to share as a gift to a family member or friend. Have them bring their list to the family meeting. If this is not practical for your family make the lists during the meeting.
STEP THREE - During the meeting or within two days of the meeting have each family member design a Punch or Gift Card. You may want to select one of the designs for the entire family to use or you may want each person to use their own design. Identify family members or friends who might benefit the most from this special gift of giving. For example, Johnny who is 8-years-old may want to give a Gift Card to Grandpa Jack which entitles Grandpa to his Grandson's assistance the next time Grandpa cleans the yard. Kelly who is 16-years old may give a Punch Card for her babysitting services to Aunt Lulu and Uncle Karl, which is redeemable three times in 2012.
STEP FOUR - Create your Punch or Gift Cards and mail them out or package and/or wrap them for distribution. Follow through with you gift giving by ensuring that whatever is gifted is received. Finally, remember to give praise when your child delivers the goods, yard is cleaned or babysitting services are provided as promised.
As a final note, this is an excellent skill building exercise for children. It allows them to master their skills, such as yard cleaning or babysitting, under the watchful and caring eyes of family and friends and provides a safe learning environment for your child to grow and learn.
Take care and be healthy,
Kimberley
TucsonHealth101.com Videos
Our Blogs
