It’s nice to see your children displaying those traits that you have been nurturing. You know the ones like being polite, respecting others, listening, considerate etc. There are so many of them – too many to mention. One of those traits we want our children to have is to not be selfish. We want them to share their possessions, think of others, give without needing to receive. So how can we encourage them to do all three and not be selfish?
- We can model ourselves the behaviour we want to see in them.
- We can provide them with opportunities to serve others such as getting them to do something for the community and let them experience how good it feels to do something for someone else.
- Use birthdays as an opportunity to donate old toys or unwanted gifts to charity and go together to give them to the organisation.
- Give your child chores so that they can see that families have to work as part of a team and that everyone will benefit from the work they do rather than just them.
- Let them take care of a pet so they can think of another beings needs.
- Get them to think about how they want to be treated by their friends and if they want their friends to share with them maybe they need to share more.
Which of the above methods have you used so your child is not selfish?
I think it’s so important to teach our children about sharing. It’s always easier to teach if they have siblings too, but we always take toys to the charity shop before birthdays and christmas and I explain why it is so important. I’m also quite firm on them sharing toys at home, however, I think it is also important to allow them to have special things which they don’t share too though. Parenting is such a minefield!
Thanks Naomi, great blog as always xx
Yes it is Kate and we want our children to have every positive trait possible. Sharing and thinking of others means that friendships and connecting with others will be much easier. Thank you Kate for your comment.