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You are here: Home / Momlife / Parenting / Involving Little Ones in Big Days: Raising Nice Humans

Involving Little Ones in Big Days: Raising Nice Humans

March 1, 2018 By Kari 1 Comment

raising nice humans-1

I truly believe toddlers are smarter than we sometimes give them credit for. “He’s not really going to get it anyway.” It’s remarkable how many times I’ve heard that when discussing involving our children in certain holidays, celebrations, or significant days throughout the year. I don’t buy it. We never underestimate how much Wyatt has the potential to understand about any situation. We’ve always parented that way; assuming he’ll understand what’s going on, not assuming he won’t. Maybe he does and maybe, sometimes, he doesn’t – but why on earth would we not at least make an effort?

So, yesterday, we used Pink Shirt Day as an opportunity to talk with Wyatt about being kind to people. Of course we wore pink, but we also discussed how our actions can affect how other people feel, and how we always want to make those around us feel good. In the years to come, we’ll delve deeper into the history of the day, what it means, why it was started, and how we can make an impact. But for now, this is the level at which he can be involved.

Holidays and significant days throughout the year are perfect teachable moments. It doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking (it can be if you want and have the time!). Sometimes a simple conversation is all you need. Here are a few other ideas on how to have impactful times with your little one on significant days:

Valentine’s Day: Gift flowers to strangers. This year, we picked up a bucket of roses from Heather de Kok Floral Design, went to the Edmonton International Airport, and handed them out to complete strangers at the arrivals gate. It was incredible to see a physical shift in people once they realized the flowers were actually for them! Through the experience, Wyatt and I talked about spreading love and joy.

raising nice humans-2

Pride: Make a sensory bin using colours of rice from the Pride flag (something we’re planning to do this year!). Make it a family date at the Pride Parade. At this point, you’re just familiarizing them with the celebration. As they get older, you can discuss the reasons and history behind the occasion.

Canada Day: In the days leading up, sing the National Anthem as your bedtime song. Show them Canada on the map of the world, and discuss where you live. Do a few Canada Day crafts (here are some good ideas) and involve them in prepping for your Canada Day party. Go for a walk and have them count how many Canada flags they see!

Thanksgiving: Deliver meals to others before you eat yours. Volunteer with an organization in your city that delivers meals to people in need. It’s a lesson in being grateful and helping others who are less fortunate.

Giving Tuesday: Pick a charity and take your kid(s) to make the donation. Maybe the money can even come out of their little piggy bank! You could even organize a tour of the organization’s headquarters.

Christmas: Drop off gift to less fortunate kids and talk about the importance of giving and not just receiving. Discuss the simple act of being grateful for what you have and taking time to make others happy.

 

Moral of the story: it’s never too early to start teaching your kid about being a nice human being. Look for teachable moments on these notable days. What’s amazing is the added bonus – you’re getting the reminder too!

What are some ways you like to involve your little ones in big days?

 

Other reads you may be interested in:

Toddler Misbehaving: How to Deal

10 Parenting Time Savers

No More Birthday Presents

 

xx

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Filed Under: Momlife, Parenting

Comments

  1. Jacqueline Jacek says

    March 2, 2018 at 10:15 pm

    Love this Kari! Thank you for this wonderful reminder and great ideas 💙

    Reply

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kariskelton

Home style, organization tips + DIYs. Cocktail + food recipes.
Celebrating the holidays with our three cuties 👦🐶🐶 in our 1913 home 🇨🇦
About #ATBUp:

Kari Skelton
What do you do when other kids are mean to your ki What do you do when other kids are mean to your kid? How do you handle it? No matter what season you're in with parenting or how old your kids are, I would love to hear your tactics! Please share below in the comments and we can all learn from each other👇👇. #pinkshirtday

Even when Wyatt was littler and would sometimes get rejected at the park when he asked to play, it would shatter my heart. 😫

I was bullied in high school pretty bad. My aunt stepped in one time and regulated some mean girls. Shared the (now) hilarious story on my Stories.❤❤

Wyatt's cute tee is from @deuxpardeuxkids, I'm wearing my @smashtess sweetheart roper and that heart print out is @justinema's free printable Kindness Challenge! (Looks like I have some catching up to do)! 🤣
See that cute little face photo bombing in the bac See that cute little face photo bombing in the back? 😊 He helps with my mental health on a daily basis. I know what each person needs varies, but for me, getting alone time to walk the dogs has been key in managing my anxiety and stress (especially this past year).

I believe investing in mental health initiatives is more important than ever. I’m so happy to be partnering with @atbfinancial for a really meaningful campaign called #ATBUp.

Each weekday from March 1-12, one more simple, FUN social challenge will be presented. When you complete and share on social using #ATBUp, @atbfinancial will donate $1 to @mentalhealthab!

I’ll be heading up two challenges—and including Moses 🐶 and Monroe 🐶. I hope you’ll join me! 😊💛

Visit up.atb.com to enter to win prizes, and get more info about the challenges and Alberta’s Mental Health Foundation.
I love you, my Valentine.❤ I love traveling with I love you, my Valentine.❤ I love traveling with you. I miss traveling. The end. Happy Valentine's Day!

With @ryanjespersen at @trsyucatanhotel in 2019.
Last-minute Valentine's Idea! 💓 Grab a pad of Last-minute Valentine's Idea! 💓

Grab a pad of sticky notes and a sharpie and write out all the things you love about your partner. Keep it funny, sentimental, or a mix of both...and done! 🙌
Load More… Follow on Instagram

kariskelton

Home style, organization tips + DIYs. Cocktail + food recipes.
Celebrating the holidays with our three cuties 👦🐶🐶 in our 1913 home 🇨🇦
About #ATBUp:

Kari Skelton
What do you do when other kids are mean to your ki What do you do when other kids are mean to your kid? How do you handle it? No matter what season you're in with parenting or how old your kids are, I would love to hear your tactics! Please share below in the comments and we can all learn from each other👇👇. #pinkshirtday

Even when Wyatt was littler and would sometimes get rejected at the park when he asked to play, it would shatter my heart. 😫

I was bullied in high school pretty bad. My aunt stepped in one time and regulated some mean girls. Shared the (now) hilarious story on my Stories.❤❤

Wyatt's cute tee is from @deuxpardeuxkids, I'm wearing my @smashtess sweetheart roper and that heart print out is @justinema's free printable Kindness Challenge! (Looks like I have some catching up to do)! 🤣
See that cute little face photo bombing in the bac See that cute little face photo bombing in the back? 😊 He helps with my mental health on a daily basis. I know what each person needs varies, but for me, getting alone time to walk the dogs has been key in managing my anxiety and stress (especially this past year).

I believe investing in mental health initiatives is more important than ever. I’m so happy to be partnering with @atbfinancial for a really meaningful campaign called #ATBUp.

Each weekday from March 1-12, one more simple, FUN social challenge will be presented. When you complete and share on social using #ATBUp, @atbfinancial will donate $1 to @mentalhealthab!

I’ll be heading up two challenges—and including Moses 🐶 and Monroe 🐶. I hope you’ll join me! 😊💛

Visit up.atb.com to enter to win prizes, and get more info about the challenges and Alberta’s Mental Health Foundation.
I love you, my Valentine.❤ I love traveling with I love you, my Valentine.❤ I love traveling with you. I miss traveling. The end. Happy Valentine's Day!

With @ryanjespersen at @trsyucatanhotel in 2019.
Last-minute Valentine's Idea! 💓 Grab a pad of Last-minute Valentine's Idea! 💓

Grab a pad of sticky notes and a sharpie and write out all the things you love about your partner. Keep it funny, sentimental, or a mix of both...and done! 🙌
Load More… Follow on Instagram

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