Most children love Christmas each year. They especially like the idea that they will be receiving presents from so many different people. But it is important that children learn that part of the holiday is not about getting, but instead about giving.

No matter what age your child is, teaching about giving is an important lesson.

How does a child learn about giving? Like most learning, your child learns about it from you. When you give a donation to a charity like the Salvation Army, he learns. He learns about giving when he hears you talking about giving to a charity and then sending the money. He learns about giving when you respond to requests from school to help pay for the Future Farmers of America or the Senior Night fundraiser.

Children are well aware of when you give or when you don’t. You may as well talk with them openly about what you give to charity and why you pick one place over another.

And it isn’t just about giving money — it is also about giving time and energy. I went to the band car wash the other day. I needed a car wash, but I was struck by the adults who were there to help the kids. They kept things moving and made sure everyone was working. They donated their time from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — that is really impressive. They received nothing for it but the gratitude of the children who had a very successful car wash.

Positive modeling

Asking your child to participate in giving is another way to teach him. When he is young, he probably doesn’t have any financial means to give to needy families, but if he looks into his closet he may be surprised. Have him check out his clothes and pick out items he doesn’t wear. Have him even look at his toys, and ask him to find five he no longer uses that he can give to a child who doesn’t have as many.

Help him feel good about his donation. Let him hear you telling grandma what a nice thing he did by picking out things to share; she then can let him know how proud she is of him.

If you are giving items to the Goodwill, make sure he is with you. Talk with him about how the people who work there receive special training to refurbish old things and then sell them. Let him know that what you donate will go to good use.

One of the best lessons about giving you can teach your child is that giving doesn’t necessarily mean he will receive something in return. Giving has a reward in itself. Talk with him about how nice it makes you feel to share with others when you give. He really needs to learn that he cannot always be on the receiving end.

We all need to be aware of the importance of giving to others who are less fortunate. As you really focus on giving, your child is learning about giving. This is a lesson that hopefully he will maintain for the rest of his life. See how much your teaching impacts others.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which publishes newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents. To reach current First Teacher Executive Director Nicole Brewer, email nicole@firstteacher.org or call 360-681-2250.