Gifts of Self

I was impressed with this past Sunday's (December 2, 2007) "The Mini Page" for children. I couldn't find a link to the specific article, but its front page focus was on "Gifts of Self." The article suggests that the best presents are giving our selves away. Some of the ideas mentioned are:

~ Giving your time (walk a neighbor's dog, play games with people in a retirement center)
~ Giving your talents (play a musical instrument for someone or give lessons in a sport to a younger child)
~ Share something you know (reading to young children or to the elderly or baking cookies and delivering them to friends and neighbors)

We as adults can encourage this type of giving in our children by modeling it for them and by working side by side with them as they give the gifts of self.

It would also add some intrigue and excitement to try to come up with some ways children could secretly do special services for others.