Parent to Parent: Giving

WSVN -- High school students Veronique Vicera and Ricardo Mor know what it means to give. Both are members of the AIDS Awareness Club at school.

Ricardo Mor: "Giving to another person, it just makes you feel so much better about yourself and about the world around you."

A group that raises money for people in the community with HIV and AIDS.

Veronique Vicera: "It's a great feeling just because I'm able to relate what I've learned through my experiences with my fellow students."

This year, the two also volunteered at the St. Stephens Art and Craft Show.

Pastor Willie Allen-Faiella: "We invite young people from surrounding schools to come and volunteer and sell sodas or hand out brochures."

Seven's Parenting Expert Dr. Valerie Goode says, parents should teach kids from a young age that giving can be fun.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "Once you can get your child into a position of giving, they're going to realize it's far more fun than taking."

Dr. Valerie says don't start big, look for little ways every day for kids to be more giving. That could even include being more thoughtful to a classmate.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "So you're sitting behind a child, and the child's jacket drops on the floor. Pick it up. You know, be a nice person."

Once they get into the habit of being nice and giving, Dr. Valerie says your child will realize the benefits.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "It's very important to give. It makes us feel like we're connected to something bigger than ourselves."

Veronique and Ricardo agree the act of giving not only benefits someone in need but makes you feel good at the same time.

Ricardo Mor: "There's just a sense of reward that you don't get with anything else."

Lynn Martinez: "Another benefit to giving, many schools offer students community service hours for volunteering if you're dealing with a family issue."

Dr. Valerie Goode
www.drvaleriegoode.com