Next in the series expanding on my post, Teaching Children about Gratitude and Giving, my cousin Katie tells us her Family's Giving Story.
Katie lives in Portland, Oregon
Her Family: Married with two kids, ages 6 and 3
Professional Background: I have a degree in business and marketing.
What She’s Up to Right Now: I currently work part time in a boutique and also as a photographer.
Her Favorite Book of the Moment: Thirty-Five and a Half Conspiracies by Denise Grover Swank
Q&A
Q: Can you share with us about a time when your family received a gift of support during a time of difficulty?
A: We've been very fortunate and have not faced any super difficult times. However, my mother-in-law did help us out in a way that made our lives much easier. For about 4 years we were a one car family. My husband would ride his bike to work every day of the week and I would occasionally drive him. About 3 years into his job he was being asked to commute 40 minutes to the company's other office. Some days he would take the car and I would be stuck at home with the kids and no transportation. We would go back and forth on whether to get another car, but were putting it off since we didn't really have the money to buy another one. Lucky for us, my mother-in-law was getting a new car so she gifted us her old one. The second car has made our lives so much easier! I'm not sure how we survived without it! I am so grateful for that gift!
Q: What techniques do you use or plan to use to help your child understand the concept of giving and why it is important?
A: I've kind of spoiled my kids...I just can't say no to their sweet faces! They've come to expect treats and toys and are constantly asking me for one or the other. Since they are getting older I've been trying to explain to them that they don't get toys or treats every day, and that some kids never get these things. There are kids who would be thrilled to have even just one tiny truck. I want them to be thankful of the toys they do have, however this is a very hard concept for a 6 year old and even harder for a 3 year old. I think involving them in the giving process and teaching them that it can also be fun to give, not just receive, will help them understand how important and fulfilling helping others can be.
Q: How does your family give throughout the year and during the holiday season in particular?
A: Last year our bank had a tree filled with cards that listed a child's age and what they wanted for Christmas. We grabbed one for a boy and one for a girl that were around the same age as our kids. I took my kids to the store and I told them we were being Santa's helpers and that we needed to buy toys for kids that Santa couldn't go see. They really got into it and we had a great time picking out the toys and then bringing them back to the bank. We will definitely be doing that again this year!
Thank you, Katie, for sharing your story! Sending you love and blessings!
Check out what Katie is up to on her photography website. She also blogs for the boutique she works at, Fancy That!
(Photo courtesy of Katie)