5 Ways to Teach Your Children the Gift of Giving

Tis the season for giving! The holidays are a wonderful time to teach children the gift of giving. Teaching your kids about giving is a great way to encourage empathy, and show compassion for others.

Giving also provides many health benefits to children. When done regularly, the act of giving to others in need boosts physical health, happiness and sense of well-being. Giving also:

• Promotes positive self-esteem and a sense of purpose. 
• Improves a person’s ability to manage stress
• Increases self-confidence and promotes positive behaviors
• Helps introduce children to positive role models who may provide positive encouragement and support

Here Are Some of Our Favorite Giving Opportunities for the Holiday Season

1. Donate toys. Toy donations to Nationwide Children’s Hospital brighten a patient’s day, and can also help them heal. Donate one of our most requested patient toys, or give an emotional support toy to our patients in need.
2. Send a card of kindness. While a toy can brighten a patient’s day this holiday season, so can a card of kindness. Choose a kindness card to send to our patients that will also be displayed for all to see in the hospital during the holidays.
3. Give your time. Volunteering is one of the best ways to give back during the holidays. Learn about hospital volunteering opportunities here, or support our partner behavioral health organizations who can use an extra hand during the holiday season.
4. Fundraise! Fundraise for the hospital on Facebook or foster philanthropy with your children with an opportunity to fundraise together for the hospital. We have lots of ideas to get you started.
5. Share your support! Giving is contagious. Encourage others to join you in giving back this holiday season and spread the gift of giving! Share how you are giving back by using the hashtag #OnOurSleeves on any of your social media profiles.