Ways parents can develop awareness of poverty, teach generosity

If I had a buck for every time I heard someone say "kids today are so insensitive and selfish," I'd be rich. If kids lack sensitivity, it's because we parents have failed to teach empathy. Kids need to learn empathy, especially with those in need. Disparity between "have" and "have not" are greatest during the holidays. Lavish feasts rub shoulders with hunger; excessive gift-giving coincides with poverty; kids' Christmas "gimmes" coexist with homelessness and despair. Here are ways to develop awareness of world poverty and teach generosity at Christmas.  read more

Student volunteer service credit opportunities: Tips for parents

 Volunteering is a buzzword in educational circles. It's also an important component of Catholic advent activities. To raise student awareness, groups like United Way coordinate student volunteer programs. Home schoolers and families can take advantage of this program to help kids gain volunteer experience. Many schools require kids to perform a set number of community service credits to graduate. Elementary and middle schools are getting in on the act, too. If your student needs earn community service credits here are some suggestions.  read more

Advent Almsgiving Toy Donation Tips

Best Kids Toys, Gifts to Donate for Toys for Tots and Giving Tree Childrens Christmas Gift Drive One of my favorite parts of Christmas is choosing gifts for the Marines Toys for Tots drive and church missions Giving Tree kids gifts. As a penitential season, Advent celebration should include alms giving. Christmas gifts for needy children is ideal Advent alms giving. But sometimes it's difficult to know what kind of gift to choose. Here are some considerations to help. best toy donation sites

Emotional Health Help for Holiday Blues

Emotional Coping Skills for Holiday Blues The holidays are a time of cheer and goodwill toward men. For some folks. For other people, the holiday season aggravates bouts of grief, loneliness and anxiety. Negative experiences and emotions can be more difficult at Christmas. It It seems to hit elderly, shut in, disabled and those in bereavement worse. One of the best ways to beat the holiday blues is to return to our faith roots. Our Lord is always there, waiting, in the Blessed Sacrament. Doing works of charity helps too. coping with Christmas blues

Best Christmas Gifts for Kids Missions, Children's Charities

Top 10 Gift Ideas for Kids Missions, Children's Charities
During Advent, many churches and social organizations sponser toy drives. Here is a list of toys to avoid giving, issues to consider in charitable gift-giving along with age-appropriate gifts for children in any country, climate or culture. Gift suggestions that work well for anonymous giving. Can't afford a gift? The best gift you can give is the gift of yourself--your time and talent. Contact the organizations listed to find out how you can help. Disabled or homebound? There are lots of opportunities for you--blogging, phone calls, mailing, emails and best of all prayer. Read More