Have you ever noticed how easy it is for children to give to others?  I’m not talking about sharing their toys. That lesson seems to take forever.  When a child sees someone who is in need or is missing something important to living their lives, they wonder why we just can’t give them what we already have.  

    My children have been instrumental in teaching me the art of giving.  To see the simplicity through a child’s eyes is pretty mind-boggling for this selfish mama.  And each one of them gives in a way that reflects their personality.  

    My oldest has always been the gift-giver of our family.  We will go to bed at night to find pictures under our pillows.  She will wrap up books she has outgrown and present them as gifts to her brothers.  But the walls of her gift-giving stretch much farther than the boundaries of our family.  She loves to hand down clothes to her younger friends, pass on books to her teacher’s classroom libraries and gets a thrill out of giving to the church on Sunday.          My sweet girl has even emptied out the gum ball machine and saved the money (almost $17) in a bag in the car until we saw a homeless man and then happily turned it over to him through the window.  Her generosity makes me want to give more.

    My middle child is my only extroverted child.  His passion for social interaction and a love for all things funny can be a burden in school but is so sweet to those who are feeling lost or lonely.  

    He is the child who would like to invite everyone we meet over for dinner.  He believes life is one big party and all that anyone could ever need is a good long chat and a few jokes to put a smile on their face.  I know that as he gets older he will find true joy in situations such as visiting nursing homes to play games and visit with those who might not have family close by.

    My youngest child is only 4 and definitely possesses the giving qualities of his older brother and sister.  My sweet Jagger has the most beautiful long golden hair that a boy could have.  I have rarely cut his long locks. However, Pennock Elementary School is hosting a St. Baldricks event where people can shave their heads to raise money for children with cancer.  

    After talking about it, Jagger decided that he would like to get money so we can buy medicine for these sick children.  At 10 a.m., March 13, at Pennock Elementary School, Jagger will give up his ridiculously gorgeous hair to bring help to children suffering from cancer.  You can help out by donating to Pennock or Jagger at www.stbaldricks.org  

    What are your children’s passions?  How can they give to others in a natural way that would just tie into who they truly are?  There is nothing sweeter than a child who can give from their heart and impact another soul with one small act.  I urge you to help your child find simple everyday ways to share their gifts with others.  You might just find out what I did – that it comes naturally to them and they will probably be better at it than you are.