{"id":1577492,"date":"2019-11-15T12:07:59","date_gmt":"2019-11-15T17:07:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/divine.ca\/?p=1577492"},"modified":"2020-04-09T14:35:27","modified_gmt":"2020-04-09T18:35:27","slug":"why-you-should-make-giving-back-a-family-holiday-tradition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/divine.ca\/en\/why-you-should-make-giving-back-a-family-holiday-tradition\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Should Make Giving Back a Family Holiday Tradition"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kids are overloaded during the holiday season.\u00a0 They are making lists of what they want, taking photos with Santa, getting tons of presents at home and from family members, enjoying endless amounts of treats while attending holiday events.\u00a0 The list goes on and on, but incorporating a charitable\/give back element as part of your family holiday tradition can help to ensure they don\u2019t miss the true meaning of the season.<\/p>\n

Although altruism ebbs and flows throughout childhood, research does show that children naturally become more generous as they grow older. It is important for us, as parents, to understand the phases of development that children go through in developing altruism. Placing a focus on giving back and thinking of others from an early age will form an altruistic mindset that will develop into a habit and a way of living.<\/p>\n

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Give back during the holidays as a family. Photo: Chris.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Altruism Development, Ages & Stages<\/strong><\/h3>\n

During toddler and preschool years, children are often very eager to help others. They see this as an opportunity to practice their autonomy which is satisfying to this age group as they start to realize that they are independent from their parents and able to have some control over their world.<\/p>\n

It is normal for young school aged children (4-6 years) to taper back their interest in thinking of others. Children of this age are in the egocentric stage, which means they are unable to see a situation from another person\u2019s point of view.<\/p>\n

As children get older \u2013 school aged \u2013 their interest and ability to think of others ramps up again. They have gained more experience and understanding of the world around them and their moral development is better as they now have a better understanding of what is right and wrong.<\/p>\n

Building an Empathetic Foundation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Encouraging empathy is a key component of having children understand the importance of helping others. Empathy creates a connection with others and encourages us to think about what others might experience and feel. Having this connection allows us to feel compassion and motivates us to want to help and giveback.<\/p>\n

Empathy is a skill that we need to teach children. We can start teaching this skill at a young age.<\/p>\n

Here are 3 ways to help children become more empathetic<\/p>\n