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Shared giving is a fantastic way to exercise both brains in a parent-child relationship- no matter the age of the relationship! The shared experience of giving together has an overflow of positive strengthening in almost every area of communication. In this post, explore some of these great ways to elicit brain benefits during the Christmas season! See our other post on what shared giving does for brains by clicking here.
Key Target: Bonding; Understanding Each other More
Key Idea: (to think and say during the activity) “Giving is fun! Giving with you makes it even more fun!”
Optional Scripture: ( for caregivers to prayerfully ponder prior to engaging kids or to share when feeling led- but not to coerce) 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
PLA Choices
“Elfin” or “Santa” activities where you create or bake something and drop them off at friends’ houses.
Take each sibling to buy for their other siblings. Then go on a cookie, ice cream, or soft pretzel date with just that child. (We suggest helping older children [10+] save allowance/birthday money to purchase the entire gift, for ages 5-10 split the cost with them and remain in budget, & helping anyone under 5 stay within a maximum budget you are willing to pay). Kids can be so thoughtful- even for siblings! Explore their generosity!
Ask children to name 3 people they would like to surprise outside the family with either cards or small gifts and work together to achieve that goal.
Work together to schedule volunteering hours so you align with another friend or family member and can work side-by-side. Even if you are homebound and pack bags for homeless people. This may require you to team up with someone else to go purchase the items, bring them to you, and pick them up after they are packed, but do not deny the helpfulness you provide in the organizing and packing!
Parents and grandparents working as a team to determine gifts for the kids- they don’t have to be shared gifts just shared and respected plans.
Include the kids in the teacher presents
Include the kids in purchasing gifts for a “Giving Tree”, to pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child, or to take donated items to a hospital or nursing facility.
May you enjoy giving together and PLA well!