I have always wondered, that if I have children in Dubai, how will I keep them grounded? How will I make them appreciate and be grateful for everything they have? How will I raise them to be full of gratitude and humility? How will I make them understand the value and importance of giving back?
I, unfortunately, don’t have answers to those questions (yet!), however sites such as EchoAge.com, KidsCanGiveToo.com, and CommuniGift.com give you a great place to start with something.
They encourage your children to ask guests invited to their birthday party to contribute towards a cause rather than towards a gift for them. The Echoage and KidsCanGiveToo model splits the money contributed 50/50 towards charity of your choice, and towards a gift your child has asked for.
CommuniGift identifies a less fortunate child that shares the same birthday as your child and all gifts go to that child. The children at the birthday party receive a box with “I gift back” wristbands and stickers to share with their guests, as well as a note thanking the child for using their birthday to give back. All sites are linked to credible non-profit organisations.
It is a win-win situation where you get to discuss giving back with your children, involve them to do so with their friends, and get something in return too. Simple, effective, and can even be used for adult occasions!
How do you keep your children grounded? If you have any more ideas or links to similar sites, please share!