We are in the season of love. Valentine is here again! There will be exchanges of gifts everywhere. Couples will look forward to receiving gifts from their partners. There will be lots of exchanging of tokens from colleagues at work. Some families will arrange gifts in the house too. This is also an avenue for families and loved ones to bond.
This is also a perfect time to talk to your children about giving. There are three things they should know about giving.
Before you start, it is appropriate you define giving. Ask them what they understand about giving. What does the word giving mean to them?
Giving means to present voluntarily and without expecting compensation.
Someone said, “being able to give makes us feel like we’re making a big impact on someone’s life, encouraging us to do more good and uncover a different perspective of happiness.”
Acts 20:35 tells us that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Here are three aspects of giving you should teach your children. They are:
- Heart of Giving
- Act of Giving
- Art of Giving
Heart of Giving
This leads us to the question of why am I giving?
- Do I what to show love?
- Am I giving because I have excess?
- Is there a person in need?
- Does someone need this thing more than I do?
- Am I giving because I want to receive something in return?
- Is what I am giving precious to me?
Irrespective of whatever reason you have, giving should proceed from the heart. This was what Jesus meant when He said the poor widow has given a larger offering than any of the wealthy. She gave wholeheartedly. There is a saying that If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart. The state of your heart is important in giving. Be true to yourself and be kind to others.
Act of Giving
This is about the action of giving. It boils down to the attitude of giving. Giving should be what you do often and consistently. You shouldn’t wait until you have enough before you give. He who cannot give little will find it difficult to give much. There are three questions to consider.
What am I giving? Gifts, kindness, helping hands, etc.
Whom am I giving? God, friends, classmates, church members, etc.
When am I giving? today, tomorrow, weekend, valentine’s day, boxing day, birthday, etc.
Art of Giving
This is somehow important to me because people don’t pay much attention to it. It brings us to two questions.
How am I giving? Do you know It is possible someone gives a small gift in a big way? You can also give a big gift in a small way. Presentation is what makes the difference. Imagine someone giving you a wristwatch (well-wrapped) in a gift bag. The gift might be small but it will be valued if well-presented. If you can afford to buy a gift, then you should be able to afford a wrapper and a gift bag. The rule here is to give like you are a king who is giving to another king. Kings don’t give nor receive gifts casually.
The other question is where am I giving? There is a place for every gift. It is possible for a man to give a great gift but in the wrong place. Even if your gift does not measure up but you can be lucky to give in the right location and moment. Trust me, it will go a long way. Timing and location are important in giving.
After teaching your children about these three aspects of giving. It is important you know that children learn by example. Why not try to give someone a gift this season and let them watch you.
You can also ask them if they would like to give a gift this Valentine’s Day. Hear their responses. Watch and help them wrap the gifts and place them in gift boxes.
I am glad I could put this together. Is this article valuable to you? Why not give me a clap? This will be my first post on Medium and I am so excited.
I am a Counselling Psychologist who is committed to fostering relationships between parents and their children. I also want to help you instill values and morals in children to help them live fulfilled in this world.
