Monday Moms: Kids Giving Back

This is such a special time of year! It really can be magical for our little ones with Santa, gifts, family, friends and all of that wonderful food. With all of that, this is also a great teaching time for our kids about giving back. With all the joy of the holidays, there is also a lot of need. And even the youngest of volunteers can make a huge difference.

Paul McLendon is with Volunteers of America. VOA works with families and children, many who are in need all year long and especially now during the holidays. VOA is our partner in our special 10 Caring Gifts program, which is really designed to get children involved in giving back. McLendon says learning about helping others is a life-long skill.

"It (giving) teaches them a very valuable lesson. We've all learned as we've grown older, really, it is more of a blessing to give than receive. And it helps them learn that lesson. And it helps them benefit from the opportunity to give to others," explained McLendon.

Experts say like almost everything else, our kids learn to give by example. So, one of the best ways to teach them about giving back is to do it ourselves.

Also, it helps to have a focus. Meaning, a way to show children that what they're doing is really making an impact. For example, taking food donations to a place where they're making a big holiday meal or volunteering to help cook and serve the meal. That way our kids can see that what they're doing is having a great impact on others. And while there is a lot of need this time of year, it's also a good idea to continue giving back all year long.

If you'd like more ideas on ways you and your family can give back this holiday season, click here . Our 10 Caring Gifts page has a whole list of things you can do to help others! Thank you for everything you do!