Each year I make it a point to take the boys shopping with me for someone they don’t know. We usually choose a name off the angel tree at the mall or a family out of the list in the newspaper who is in need. They like looking for baby gifts or cute outfits for toddlers….the whole time I try to remind them how lucky they are and that we need to share what we have with others.

Luckily school also helps drive this message home with community service projects and things like a recent visit to a nursing home to sing and deliver goody bags. I just want to be sure Jake and Sam understand that not everyone has the things they do and not everyone can help themselves sometimes.

It is very easy to get wrapped up in how much “stuff” a person can have…we need a new TV, a bigger car, a bigger house….the list could go on and on. The boys hear us talk about things like this and while that is our reality (we really do need a bigger house:)), I want them to understand how wonderful our home is and how some people live with a lot less than we do. I want them to WANT to reach out and help others…not just do it because mom made them.

As the boys get older, it is my hope that they will continue to enjoy the shopping and the giving. I hope they want to do those things throughout the entire year and not just at Christmas time. I really do think they know that they have it pretty good and while they should not feel bad for that, they should recognize that their good fortune means they have more to share.

What do you like to do with your tweens to teach them about sharing what they have?

As some of you may know, I am a teacher. As most of you probably know…teachers don’t make huge salaries and we often need to purchase materials for our classrooms….out of our own pockets. I have done my shopping for my kiddos and we have all of the things we need to start the year off right. That said, I was looking for one last item…a luxury I suppose….I needed a coat rack for myself and my assistants. The other option would be to put them on the floor like I did last year

I knew I did not need anything fancy…used would do just fine. With that in mind, I posted on LeJeune Yard Sales. I said I was looking for a used coat rack and I would pay $15 for one. I was prepared to shell out the money and I was hopeful someone out there was looking to get rid of one. To my surprise, I got a reply that day and as an even bigger surprise…the gentleman who replied wanted to make me one…for FREE!

I told him I could not accept it for free, but he was clear that he wanted to do this for me. He stated that he liked to help the community, he had a wood shop and he made things for sale all the time. After a little more back and forth (and me pleading to pay), the rack was made and I picked it up this past weekend.

I felt guilty as I pulled away from his house with my free, handmade coat rack, but I really think he just wanted to help. I think he understands how hard teachers work and he saw a small way he could contribute to one classroom. Needless to say, I took a stack of his business cards and will tell everyone to contact him if they need anything made. I also made sure to explain all of this to Jake and Sam. I hope one day, they will see a similar opportunity to help someone and they will jump at the chance.

Have you ever had someone you don’t know reach out to help you? How did it make you feel?

One thing my tween has to deal with is his siblings.  He is the oldest of our three children.  Being the oldest has it’s perks.  But being the oldest also comes with responsibilities.  I rely alot on Lincoln to help me with our baby.  Often he will get her out of her crib in the morning, get her a sippie cup and read her stories.  He really loves her and likes to help, but sometimes he doesn’t want to help.

I have tried to teach him the importance of looking out for his little sisters.  In turn, I have noticed that he also looks out for other little children.  It is an important concept to teach out tweens.  I hope to instill in him the importance of not only looking out for younger children, but also standing up for himself and for things he feels strongly about.

I think the basis of this comes from teaching him right from wrong, teaching him to look for the good in others and stand up for those who are picked on or made fun of.    I feel like Lincoln has a good grasp on this.  Is he perfect at it…no?  But that’s okay.  I think one of the best ways I can teach him these things are through example.  I know he watches his Dad and me.  He wants to be like us…so we better be on our best behavior for him!!!

How do you teach your tween how to look out for those who are younger and also those who might not be ‘cool’?