Children have an instinctive ability to be caring and loving. Learning about kindness and compassion can influence a child’s life considerably.
I raised my son, Jeff Dawson, in the 90s, with a priority to raise a child with a kind heart. His caring journey was his own, but I discovered setting him up for success was extremely simple.
When Jeff was 5 years old we discussed his passions and it was his three dogs, who were all rescues. As Jeff spoke of the good life our dogs had, he revealed immense concern for the homeless dogs and wanted to help. For more than a year, Jeff pulled his little red wagon, collecting cans from neighbors who wanted to help. He then crushed those cans (thousands), traded them for cash, and donated every penny to various animal shelters.
Jeff now has two sons of his own, DJ (age 7) and Case (age 5). They are the light of my life, and the same hope of inspiring caring and compassionate boys has filtered down to them. A year ago, we painted three banks: one for each child and one for charity. I promised to match the money they contributed to charity.
Children often get cash for birthdays, holidays, and even losing teeth. Our grandsons are also rewarded for chores and good grades. They choose the bank for their money, and often split it with the charity bank. There is no pressure for them to do so; however, they are highly praised when they choose charity.
Recently, we poured out the money from the charity bank and counted $56. DJ and Case love our rescued pups, especially our recent adoption from Golder Retriever Rescue and Adoption of Needy Dogs (GRRAND), Athena. They decided to make their donation to GRRAND, through the foster volunteer, Michele Jackson.
With a check for $112, we met Michele at the Big Four walking bridge park, and made the donation. The boys were extremely proud to help the group who cared for and rescued Athena. Michele Jackson explained what the donation meant, “This is the kind of outcome and act of compassion that makes fostering worth it!”
There are many ways to promote caring at home. Teaching our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews isn’t a difficult task. Find out their passion, and create a way for the youngsters in your life to give back, whether it be physically helping those in need or financially assisting various organizations. Children want to be helpful; they want to make the grown-ups in their lives proud. Give them that opportunity by setting them up for success.
Our animal shelters and rescue groups, like GRRAND, are in dire need of donations, families to adopt, and foster families to care for the pups in transition.
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