The holiday season is in full swing and the contagious holiday fever has infected both parents and their teen offspring alike. As people start making preparations to reach out to family and friends, it is important not to forget those who are less privileged than the rest. It is even more important for parents to teach their kids about giving to the less privileged during the holiday season. Being empathic and helpful towards others will work miracles in the development of teens, while also polishing their social skills.

Talk the talk, walk the talk

Teens will believe your talk if you walk the talk. Therefore, leading by example would ensure that your kids follow suit. As weird as teens might seem they are still very impressionable. Therefore, if you are involved in real volunteer work there’s a good chance that your teenage children would do the same. Inspire them, sit back and watch them develop.

A Christmas Carol: An old new book

A simple belief that this classic literary masterpiece will do more good for teens will actually inspire both the parents and teens into action. Once your child reads through the book and understands the holiday spirit, it will make them become more aware of their responsibilities to humanity at large (including helping the less fortunate). Ebenezer might have been a scrooge but he came around to helping people, and so can the teen brigade. Just believe!

Donate time, not watches

Shake your wrist watch so it can drop a few seconds, minutes and even hours that can later be donated to a local charity organization, or instead advise your children to donate their time at different charities by being physically present there. Such organizations require volunteers to deliver Christmas meals and gifts to the less privileged people. Similarly, teens can also help in assembling toys and gift wrapping them for delivery to deserving families. In addition, local churches also need extra pair of hands to cook the community meals for those who are less fortunate.

Mirror, mirror on the wall; teens don’t need you anymore

A teenager’s life is like a mirror. Teenagers are known for their self-centeredness and they see only themselves without caring for the feelings of others. No wonder there are more ‘selfies’ uploaded by self-obsessed teenagers on social networking sites than any other age group.

Your job is to scratch the reflective coating from the mirror so that it becomes a glass. It would help the teens look beyond their needs and understand life from the perspective of the less fortunate. It will be a ‘teeny’ tiny step in the right direction if nothing else.

Big things come in small packages

Department stores of all sizes usually have Christmas trees set up within their vicinity, that are decorated with tags bearing the names of children wishing to receive a specific item on Christmas day. Encourage your children to select a deserving candidate of their choice, allow them to purchase the mentioned gift and turn them over to the service desk for further transportation.

You can also help your teenage children sort out their old toys and clothes to be given to any charity. This will help them appreciate all that they have and clear some room for new holiday presents.

Perseverance, as usual, is the key here. A package might seem small today but it is possible that it can reveal a big heart raring to positively impact the world of tomorrow.