The Young can Give Something Too

During the holidays a group of friends and our kids visit a nursing home. We enjoy visiting with the residents and they are so thrilled with the little children. Many residents of the nursing home do not have family close by and some suffer from memory loss and do not remember when the last time was they were visited. We always prep our children before visiting to remind them that these people are just like their own Grandma or Grandpa and might like to hold their hand, or touch their face. We tell them to think of stories they can tell or questions they can ask and we always come prepared to sing a song. On many occasions we have taken pictures the kids have colored and handed them out. It's a great way to make the kids feel good and helps to keep our own refrigerator doors uncluttered. The more we visit the more often the kids remember who they talked to before and they begin to form bonds.

Teaching your children young that their time can be an amazing gift helps to set a pattern as they grow. It does not cost anything but a little bit of time, and a small place in your heart but the rewards can mount up and fill your heart to overflowing in no time.