I consider myself a pretty flexible parent. I try to see my children for who they are and not who I want them to be. But if there is one aspect that I am NOT flexible, it’s this: I don’t want my children to be so focused on themselves that they don’t see the needs of others. I don’t want my children to think the world revolves around them. I don’t want to raise snotty, entitled children. There. I said it.
So, I am always on the lookout for tangible ways to show my kids what it is to serve. Enter: Operation Christmas Child. I had heard of this organization before, but had always been too late to participate. But this year I was ready!
This weekend, we took the boys to the store to collect items for our shoeboxes. We’d talked it up all week, even to the point of brainstorming ideas and making a shopping list (those apples don’t fall far from the tree!). I let them pick out the majority of the items and they were so excited to pack the boxes when we got home. It was service at a 5 and 3 year old level and it was good. They totally got it.
I encourage you to participate in Operation Christmas Child with your family. Pack one box for the whole family. Let each of your kids fill one. It’s really fun and so rewarding! You can find the website with all the information you need here.
This is a beautiful idea, and a perfect way to teach children about the joys of giving to those less fortunate. I'm having a look now to see if there is something like this in Australia.