Hi Mums!
I'm struggling to get my almost 4yo to understand the importance of giving to those less fortunate at the time of year. When I tried to explain to him that not everyone is as lucky as him and will receive presents at Christmas, he came back with "Yes Mummy, because they've been naughty boys and girls!" How have you introduced this idea to your young kiddies?
FYI - We're not a religious family.
Explaining the meaning of Christmas to 4yo?
Explaining the meaning of Christmas to 4yo?
Posted in:
Baby & Toddler, Kids
8 Replies
I'd explain money to him, how money buys everything and Santa can't bring toys to all the kids as he needs to make sure they have food to eat.. So some families get food n some get presents.
that might help.
then explain the families who only get food need friends or kind ppl to give them toys n clothes.
At the age of 4 I don't think he needs to understand the workings, he just needs to grow up seeing you modelling how to support those who have less. Leave the nuts and bolts of it until he's older.
I'm with Charmaine on this one...lead by example,show him what you believe Christmas is all about & the rest will follow- 4 is a bit young
Santa only brings one present each here, and the rest are from us or each other, so they get that the Santa present on it's own is not much.
Every year in December i get my nephews to choose a toy of theirs (something they dont play with anymore and in good condition) and donate it to charity for children who werent as lucky they are....
When you do the shopping ask him to pick out one or two items to put into the food donation bins, ours always picked baby food and explain why. Try donating a pressie to the wishing tree or finding somewhere to volunteer. Don't expect him to pick it up straight away. Explain to him that Christmas is about being kind to one another and that's why Santa brings presents to teach the boys and girls about kindness.
When you do the shopping ask him to pick out one or two items to put into the food donation bins, ours always picked baby food and explain why. Try donating a pressie to the wishing tree or finding somewhere to volunteer. Don't expect him to pick it up straight away. Explain to him that Christmas is about being kind to one another and that's why Santa brings presents to teach the boys and girls about kindness.
I struggle with the idea of having my son grow up not knowing there is less fortunate people out there. He's only 6 months old but growing up I saw my mum struggle with simple things like feeding us. So what I did this year was take him to an elderly home with dementia patients (that absolutely went goo goo over him and his cousins) that family had left them there without visiting. I expect to continue to take him there regularly so that he will see that little things help those who dont have the things he has.
There are heaps of charities you could take him or even just a elderly peoples home to play and help those in need? Even if it just for Christmas shows him that its not just about taking but giving.
goodluck :)