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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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Feel this? ⬆️ Share if you do. ❤️ You kno Feel this? ⬆️ Share if you do. ❤️

You know what drains a kid's emotional cup - being overscheduled. We've lived it and I'm here to say it's SO MUCH BETTER on the other side.

📍Last year, our goal was to give our oldest (now 8) every opportunity to try things to figure out what he loved. His schedule was packed with activities (I realize this is a privileged point). We were running - sometimes literally - from school to activity every night of the week and on weekends.

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✨️ If one day he decides he wants to pour more time into one of his passions - we support that, but for now this is it and it's awesome! 

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Tik Tok Trend ⤵️ You've heard of 'Girl Math' Tik Tok Trend ⤵️

You've heard of 'Girl Math' but this is Mom Math. This all make sense to you, moms? Sure does to me. 🙃

#trending #mommath #girlmath #viraltrend #momtruths #theeverymom
😭 I'm having a hard time with this one.  I kn 😭 I'm having a hard time with this one. 

I know - bust out the 🎻 - but seriously. I've had some good cries this week as we start to pack up and get rid of some of our baby stuff. Most of it we've had since Wyatt came on the scene.

It hurts to know this baby-making chapter is closing and the last jump in the jolly jumper is over and I'll never be pregnant again.😭😭 Of course, I'm excited for everything ahead but this is hard on the heart. Been here? You feel this?

#motherhoodjourney #momsunited #babystuffgone #mamaheart #jollyjumper #theeverymom
Who can we call to get these lyrics changed? 😄 Who can we call to get these lyrics changed? 😄 ... but seriously? 

Actually listened to the lyrics while Miss. Rachel was on.🙈 Side note- i love her.

 What else needs changing? ⬇️
#motherhoodjourney #wheelsonthebus #1950scalled
Feel this? ⬆️ Share if you do. ❤️ You kno Feel this? ⬆️ Share if you do. ❤️

You know what drains a kid's emotional cup - being overscheduled. We've lived it and I'm here to say it's SO MUCH BETTER on the other side.

📍Last year, our goal was to give our oldest (now 8) every opportunity to try things to figure out what he loved. His schedule was packed with activities (I realize this is a privileged point). We were running - sometimes literally - from school to activity every night of the week and on weekends.

📍Fast-forward to this year - he has so much more time to just be a kid and we're all happier! He's picked a couple of things he's passionate about, but we've cut so much out and now most of our after-school time is open. Maybe we'll run an errand, maybe we'll come home and hang out, maybe we'll play at the park with friends and get ice cream. 

✨️ If one day he decides he wants to pour more time into one of his passions - we support that, but for now this is it and it's awesome! 

➡️ Have you lived this? How do you balance wanting to expose your kid to different activities so they find what they love with wanting your kids to just be a kid? Share below.

this video ⬆️ is from @fairmontjpl's Lac Beauvert. On every summer visit, Wyatt and I have a tradition of renting a kayak from The Boathouse and cruising the lake. 

❤️ Follow @kariskelton for more motherhood moments and helpful Reels to make your journey a little easier and even more enjoyable. Send me a DM to say hi. 

#parentingjourney #overshedulingkids #letkidsbekids
Load More… Follow on Instagram

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