In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon tells us, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6.) Our children don’t spring from the womb ready to do deeds of service. It is up to the adults in kids’ lives to model the way of caregiving. Our kids learn best when they see us going the extra mile for someone who’s experiencing a difficult time in their lives.
And, caregiving doesn’t have to be a chore. Incorporating caring for others into your everyday life can be simple, and yes, even fun! Those of us who are parents at Wisdom of the Wounded have found that it’s best not to make caring for others a “big deal”; no need for a grand gesture. Rather it’s the simple acts of everyday life that mean the most to those in need. Something as easy as doubling a recipe and giving half of it to a friend who just returned from the hospital not only brightens your friends’ day, but it sends a message to those young minds living in your home: it’s important to care for others.
So whether you have toddlers, grade-schoolers or teens living in your home, think about ways you can enlist them to care well for others. You’ll be giving them skills that last a lifetime. See our ideas below to get started.
