Teaching Kids to Appreciate How Lucky They Are

Wow! I'd like to be your kid...
When you sort through toys and clothing no longer wanted, do you have them do this? Are they placing things in a box and then taking to a shelter? In other words...don't have it picked up by some mystery van that takes it away to a mystery place.
Depending on where you live, google "shelters" and find them nearby, children's foster care facilities, the Salvation Army food kitchen. This is where reality will be right in front of them. Perhaps a dialogue with some other children or frequent visits will establish a sense of "good fortune" that is so important to share with humanity. Volunteering is what I'm getting at here. Your local churches, synagogues can steer you in this direction.
Good luck and many Blessings to you, S.

I don't have any ideas, but I wanted to tell you how inspired I am by you. I have a little girl who will be 1 on Friday and I am constantly telling my family not to buy her so much stuff. I think parents (and society) are doing a great disservice when we teach our children that material possessions are the way to happiness. I don't understand why (at least in my family) Easter, Valentines Day and Halloween have turned into gift-giving occasions. My husband and I make a comfortable living and are blessed to afford wonderful day care and the extra expense of organic foods, but I think that buying a child too much and essentially spoiling them with material things is unnecessary. I feel every day that we are so blessed and I hope to raise my daughter in the same way as you - to be grateful, appreciative and to feel empathy for those who have less.

Kudos to you for being so aware and for understanding the bigger picture of what your kids (for their souls and not their immediate gratification). You are an awesome mommy!

P.S. My sister used to volunteer at the homeless shelter which is Pompano just east of the Turnpike (Coconut Creek Pkwy exit). It might be a little scary, but I know there are mom's with kids staying there also.

You are aware of a growing problem in today's world-Cudo's to you! I'd suggest taking your kids with you and some old cloths & blankets-towels ect to a homeless shelter, where they can see first hand what has become of many families! I'm sure they could use some toys too! Every year my girls & I donate to Womens in Distress- a Broward county Group Home for children; and try to pass on our slightly used stuff to those less fortunate! It does ground them when they see what life has done to some innocent people. It also truly helps others and it truly helps me and my girls. We also but personal care items to give to these places for the residents who need them. Volunteer to do projects with some of the Countys/Fl. group homes ect... God Bless YOU and your family!
Truly
Kathy N.

i think your attitiude is great. are you involved with church? what came to mind was what our church calls love out louder day, where they go out in the community and do some service, so maybe you could hook up with that, or do your own community service with them. also, at 5 and 7 they are still pretty "me-centered" but with an attitude like yours they will probably grow right out of it.

Hi Carmela,
First off I want to say that is it great that you are acknowledging that they need to be thankful for the life that they have. I am a married mother of 2, and when I was a young girl (@5 years old) my mother brought me to children in distress to meet some of the children that live in the home. I would donate toys and play with them. Today for protection purposes you are not allowed to see the kids their but what our family does is sponsor a child from Compassion International and we have our children see the pictures and write to our child, they get letters back! I would find ways to get involved more intimately with those in need. Food For the Poor is right on Lyons road in Coconut Creek. Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale has a food program where you and your family can personally deliver food to families with children who do not have enough to eat right here in our community.
I hope all this helps. C.