How Nannies and Au Pairs Can Teach Children to be Grateful During the Holidays
Why do we ask kids to make a list for Santa rather than say a prayer to those in need? Is it really possible for nannies and au pairs to help kids be grateful for the abundance they have when Christmas is so commercialized?
We can help teach children to be courteous by doing even simple things such as holding a door for another person often during our normal every day activities. Show kids how others appreciate us and our actions. It is also a way to put a smile and a lift into a strangers day, which always creates a good feeling within the person who is doing the kind act as well.
We take necessities like heat and lights for granted. These are things that American kids so don’t have to worry about. Do they take for granted the fact that they have food to eat all the time, friends to play with, and having plenty of toys and school supplies? Showing them examples of third world country children who go without these things is a way of teaching them appreciation for what they have, too.
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I watched my charges yesterday while their parents Christmas shopped and we went in DC. It was an eye opening experience for the girls because left behind on one of the streets was a blanket left behind by on the sidewalk by a homeless person. The younger one asked what it was. And inspite of hearing the answer within a few seconds the older one exclaimed, what is that smell? (fortunately the person wasn't around)Five minutes later we were approached by a person trying to sell free trolly maps. And well we did need one so we knew where the closest metros were after we were done. He said it was for homeless. (He looked it). After we purchased one and walked away, 4 said "Do you think that was the man who the blanket belonged to? I'm glad you gave him more than a dollar."Never forget they are always watching.
One of my charges is very grateful the other isn't. It's hard to explain and perhaps the child is just at an age where they are seriously selfish, but the older charge (in his teens already) really is never satisfied. Very rude, high maintenance, thinks he's got it bad. Is that a teen problem or attitude problem? The other is the sweetest, very empathetic and very courteous.