I have become keenly aware lately that we've got a case of the "gimmees" and the "wants." I know this is typical at my kiddos' ages, but it's made me very conscious of the fact that my children lead privileged lives. Truly, most kids in the U.S. do in comparison to other countries. And while we are by no means rich, my children have a comfortable lifestyle....maybe too comfortable.
We have a chore chart. It's a loose version, but it works for us. Basically, the kids each have 8 blocks. They get a star for each chore they do, and when their blocks are filled, they get $1. It isn't necessarily by the week as our schedules are so hectic that trying to be rigid with it didn't seem to work (it isn't worth it to stress over Sawyer putting up the utensils on Wednesday instead of Thursday if we've got a soccer game or some other activity that fills up the evening). It's really helped them with counting money and understanding how much things cost. But these things are all for them....things they are saving for, not necessarily instiling an attitude of giving and awareness for others less fortunate.
I decided it would be a good idea for the kids to sponsor a child. The majority of their friends are just like them, and I don't think they realized that some kids really don't have enough food to eat, or clean water, or parents, or books, or toys, or anything except a hut with a patched tin roof over their head. After a bit of research, we decided to go with Compassion International. There are many non-profits that serve the needs of children, but I liked the fact that the children could actually pick a child of their choice, send letters, and really develop a relationship with someone across the globe.
They got really into it (especially Campbell). She seemed heartbroken to think that the little girl we chose, Rosalie, didn't have parents. She lives in one of the poorest parts of Africa. Sawyer wanted to choose Rosalie because she likes to play games like him (not video of course). Ah, the mind of a five year old. Campbell wrote her a letter immediately and grabbed a glass jar out of the kitchen. She started emptying part of her savings into the jar. Sawyer wasn't quite so willing to relinquish any of his quarters, but the ever persuasive Campbell finally talked him into it.
We also decided we would raise a little money for the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island. Campbell put together a smaller jar together for that cause (our main focus is on Rosalie). We spend a lot of time on the Georgia coast and one of their favorite places is the center. They can watch sea turtles receive care in the "hospital." These endangered species have cracked shells and damaged flippers due to boat propellers, as well as other injuries/sickness due to pollution and improper fishing practices. Very few hatchlings even make it.
Ah, that felt good. Really, really good. Not that it is about that, but it is so much better to give than to receive.
