Whilst the past two years have been very difficult for our society, there have been many positives to celebrate at our School during this time. Upon my arrival this year, I was immediately struck by the many gestures of generosity I saw amongst our students, staff, and parents.
One of the most important (and impressive) things about our School is the strength of our community. That strength is, I believe, deeply anchored in the spirit of generosity that exists here. As a school, we believe that building a “culture of generosity” is an important ideal in a world that focusses attention on the individual, rather than on how each individual person can contribute to making the lives of those around them better.
It goes without saying, we teach children what generosity is by our example. Our children learn from what we do, and not what we say – therefore, as parents we model generosity when we help each other cheerfully; not from obligation. We model generosity when we habitually give our time, our energy, our attention, and even our material goods to others with a generous spirit.
Here are some tips for helping children understand and practise generosity.
- Model generosity and kindness within your family by encouraging a “culture of service” to each other within your family. Encourage your children to assist a sibling with chores for no other reason than it is a kind thing to do. Ask them how it felt to do something positive for their brother or sister.
- Teach generosity by teaching detachment. We must teach our children that real happiness is found in having positive and healthy relationships and is not found in having more “things”. Alongside this, our children need to learn that having positive and healthy relationships with those we care about requires us to give our time, energy and, sometimes, our material goods to them – and that this involves sacrifice. As parents, we can discourage our children from talking too much about our new gadgets and purchases when we spoil our children. Our children will develop healthy habits of generosity when they see and hear us demonstrating healthy attitudes towards material possessions, and especially when they see us being generous towards others.
- Teach generosity by fostering understanding about the needs of others, especially those who are less fortunate. Talk about “being generous” around the dinner table and then “walk the talk” as a family. Work with your child in the service of others: perhaps, find someone (friend, relative or neighbour) that you can help as a family. Take delight in the fact that you are all working together to benefit someone else.
- Talk openly with your children when they fall short, using this as an opportunity to teach them about selfishness and generosity and the effect that each has on others. Asking your child, “How would you feel if… ” rather than, “How would you like it if… ” allows them to better understand emotions from another person’s perspective.
- Have high expectations, giving children small, well-chosen jobs; helping your child to see how each job plays a crucial part in society is a way of helping others. Work side by side with your child to teach them responsibility.
Think of the times in our own lives where we have been touched by the kindness and generosity of others. Our children may not be able to change the world in a huge way at this age, but they can make the world a better place if they see us being generous and they want to do (and be) the same.
As always, thank you for your on-going support of our wonderful School.
Geoffrey Fouracre – Principal
