During the year we celebrate several holidays where gift giving is traditional. Through these special days all of us have opportunities to experience the spirit of giving. Teaching your children to give is a good life lesson.

I'm sure your kids have had their share of birthday party invitations. Sometimes it is hard for that really cool gift to be given away, but in giving, the child learns to think of others, not just himself.

If you want that little cutie to be kind to you when you’re old and gray, then don’t teach him to be a selfish person now. (Aha, an ulterior motive emerges.)

Seriously, dear hearts, it is not about going to the mall, it is about allowing the child to give what he or she can generate right now: a drawing, a hug, a song. Nothing is sweeter than a child’s voice singing, even if half the words are wrong.

Teach your children that they have value now, and what they can produce has value, now. It will boost their self-esteem, and give them that good feeling that comes from being generous.

Some day, ahem, you’ll be glad you did!

The Schoolmarm