Parent to Parent: Charity Minded Children

WSVN--Angela Staples and her 3-year-old daughter Delaney are getting ready for christmas. This year, like the past two, Angela's in charge of collecting toys for the Salvation Army at her church in lighthouse point. But this year, delaney's helping too.

Delaney Staples: "The presents. For the boys and girls."

See Angela's trying to teach her daughter it's as important to give as it is to receive.

Angela Staples: "I look around today and they're just...the kids out there, the teenagers, and even young adults, it's just so about me."

Teaching a child to share is hard enough. So how do you teach them to be charitable? 7 News Parenting Expert, Dr. Sally Goldberg says your child will learn about giving if you're a good role model.

Dr. Sally Goldberg: "Becoming charity minded or becoming a giving person is developed in the early years. It is taught by modeling. It is not taught by direct teaching."

And it's never too early to start volunteering -- even when your child is a toddler.

Dr. Sally Goldberg: "The earlier you start, the better it is. Volunteering and giving, will then become a way of life."

Start by having your child pick out toys or clothes they no longer use. Then explain they're for children who need them. If you don't have the means to give monetarily or financially, you can still help out by giving your time to organizations like the salvation army.

Capt. Steve Morris from The Salvation Army: "That type of thinking, if it's not passed on to the next generation, we'll become a generation full of very selfish people that are worried about themselves and really not giving back to the things that make community."

You could also write, send cards, or make a craft for someone who's sick or in need. Dr. Sally says another good way to teach your child about giving is to include them in the holiday shopping.

Dr. Sally Goldberg: "Time to change the dynamics for the holiday season. Try to change the "what am I gonna get for the holiday" to what am I gonna give for the holiday."

Delaney helped her mom complete their volunteer work. Angela thinks that small act could lead to many more good deeds in the future.

Angela Staples: "When she grows up and has her own family, I think it will make her a better mother, it will make her a better wife, a better member of society. To not just be looking out for number one."

The Salvation Army of Broward County is handing out its angel tree gifts this week, but is always looking for volunteers.

E-MAIL QUESTIONS TO:
parent@wsvn.com

Dr. Sally Goldberg's Website:
www.drsallyparenting.com

The Salvation Army
www.salvationarmyusa.org