ACTIVELY TEACH
When my husband was called into the bishopric, our five children ranged in ages from 5 to 11. I wanted to do something with my children that would help in Sabbath observance as well as serve others. We began visiting a sister in our ward who was in a convalescent hospital. We visited her and sang to her weekly. We also met other residents and visited with them. When this sister passed away, her family asked my children to sing "I Am a Child of God" at her funeral.We have another ward sister in long-term care who we now visit weekly. I love watching my children wheel her around the facility or assist other residents. We've done an annual Christmas program at the hospital. I felt that the only way for my children to learn Christlike service was to actively teach them how to serve. We've had memorable visits with many elderly people over the past five years. -- Elaine S. Frost, Highland, Calif.
DIFFERENT KIND OF BIRTHDAY
Our oldest daughter recently celebrated her 14th birthday on Christmas Eve. We decided to fill her special day with all of the things that she loves about the Christmas season. This included baking cookies and delivering goodie plates to neighbors and friends as we caroled. Our family enjoyed giving to others in a way that was also pleasing to our daughter.
Soon after, my husband introduced a brilliant plan at family home evening. Each member of the family -- for his/her birthday -- is to think of something special that we can do together to help bring joy to others. This could include inviting a family to dinner and games, putting together care packages for missionaries, helping someone prepare their garden, inviting nephews over for the day so their parents may enjoy a trip to the temple, volunteering to ride our neighbors' horses so that they can have exercise.
Not only will this service throughout the year help our children learn to "love thy neighbour as thyself," but it also brings back that "birthday magic" that some parents haven't felt for a very long time. -- Teresa Lauritzen, Junction City, Ore.
GAIN INSIGHT
There is more than one kind of charity for children to learn and internalize. First of all, it is good to give them opportunities for selfless service. Our children have felt the warmth of the Spirit confirming that serving those in need lifts the giver even more than the receiver.
The other type of charity children should learn is probably much more difficult, however. This is the "pure love of Christ" for those who have hurt us. I have tried to help my children gain insight by imagining what might motivate someone to make an unkind remark or to persecute them in other ways. Usually, it stems from low self-esteem on the part of the perpetrator.
I have suggested to my children that if they could look into the heart of an emotionally needy person who had wounded them, they would find something good about that person, just as Heavenly Father and Christ are always doing with all of us. Then, if they compliment such an individual, they will become a valuable source for positive feedback to that person.
My children have tried it, and it has worked. Thanks be to those who have had enough charity to look beyond my foolishness to see inside my heart and then have lifted me up. -- Margie Lamb, Salt Lake City, Utah
SERVED WITH MOTHER
I learned charity from serving with my mother whenever she could include me. We visited people in nursing homes. We gave care baskets anonymously. We helped clean homes and churches. We fed people; we entertained people. We helped put in the new chapel's landscaping, etc.
Teach children the importance of people and a love for people and for the Savior and that as we help others, we are filling the Savior's and Heavenly Father's hearts with joy. -- Denise Hansen, Salt Lake City, Utah
BEGIN WHILE YOUNG
In our family home evenings, when our children were small, we would talk about the needs of others. An older, seemingly unfriendly man lived across the street from us. At different times, our small children would take him dinner, fresh baked bread, cookies, etc. They found that this man was not as unfriendly as many thought.
At Christmas time, as a family we would shop for a needy family. In addition, our boys would cut lawns for their grandparents and other elderly couples. Our children often said how great they felt when caring for others.
These acts of charity by our young children have proven valuable now that they are adults. It is exciting to observe our grandchildren and their involvement in charitable acts from examples of their parents. Learning to give of yourself while young will always be a part of your life. -- Louise P. Densley, West Valley City, Utah