Teaching children to love the earth is a job more and more parents are taking seriously. In honor of Earth Day's 45th anniversary (April 22, 2015), we provide some easy tips for raising an eco-smart child.
Nurturing Compassion in Boys
Although all gender stereotypes are becoming less rigid, girls are given more flexibility than boys. The typically "feminine" traits of compassion and kindness are critical to the healthy development ofall our children. Here are ways to assure that your boys receive those essential lessons in empathy as they grow toward being caring, compassionate, charitable men.
Cultivating Wonder and Awe in Our Children
We all know that amazing sensation of feeling part of something much larger than ourselves, of being upended by the vastness of the night sky or the intensity of great music. Research indicates that experiencing these magical feelings also changes how we approach our lives. It can make us more satisfied, less self-involved, less likely to feel starved for time, more grateful and more likely to help others.
Educating the Heart as Well as the Mind
Raising Courage: Teaching Kids to Do the Right Thing
Are Your Kids Missing Your Message?
Seven Tips for Close-to-Home Kindness
Animal Love
Create a Family Giving Circle
Giving Circles make for fun and effective philanthropy, whether you have $5 or $500 to give. The idea is that individuals pool funds, then decide as a group where to donate. By creating a Family Giving Circle, you can use this same concept to teach your children about charitable giving. They'll love having a big say in donation decisions and will learn firsthand about this crucial way of sharing.
Helping Children Bring Their Passions to Life
Become a Cultural Ambassador
Our increasingly globalized society can provide your family with important opportunities to interact with diverse people and cultures. This allows children (and adults) to appreciate the complexity and richness of other countries, to develop a sense of their own place in the world, and to realize that their view is only one among many possible views.
Advocate for Your Cause
What issue does your family care about? Are you passionate about global poverty, empowering girls, environmental sustainability or benefits for veterans? Be an advocate for your cause! Hone in on your passion -- and educate others about the issue -- by exploring creative ways to raise awareness. Here are some ideas to light a firecracker under your campaign!
Raising a Nature-Loving Child
Being your Child’s Emotional Tutor
A Mindful New Year
Collecting for the Community
Want to add a bit of altruism to your children's summer? Instead of collecting shells and rocks, hold a collection drive for those in need. It could be cereal for a food pantry, cat or dog toys for a humane society, diapers for a crisis nursery, or books for a family homeless shelter.
A donation drive is a fun, easy family activity that can improve lives.