Mother Teresa - M's Gems

By: Melissa Goldberg

Wikipedia defines Mother Earth ~ a common metaphorical expression for the earth and it’s biosphere as the giver and sustainer of life. So it seems the instinct or need to tend and heal doesn’t require actual child labor.

In our busy, day to day lives we are running from here to there, cooking, cleaning, shopping, working, and continuously checking off tasks from our never ending to-do list. Often we give and continue to give and often wish we could do more. Many of us can admit we often “support” causes by writing a check and although this is a good thing, many times we do not feel the fulfillment because we didn’t see or feel the experience of the cause.

Our children learn from example and learn from experience. Our children have huge hearts and love to help others. Beyond the experiences, children often learn skills that can be useful throughout their life.

“We cannot help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” ~ Ronald Reagan

In honor of Mother Teresa and the many women who have been mothers to a cause here are a few Gems for ways we can have fun, learn and give back.

Buy a gift for a child - For the past couple of years, my children's school has a toy drive or food drive. I found myself doing this act of kindness just like all my other errands. I would buy, wrap and hand off the gift and done - check it off my list. This year I decided I was going to do things differently, my kids were starting to not understand the value of all the gifts they were getting during the holidays and perhaps a lack of appreciation. I took them to the toy store and explained that there were children who did not get any gifts for the holidays or for their birthday and wouldn’t it be great to surprise them with a gift. They picked out a toy, they wrapped it and they put in the collection box at school. The opportunities to use this practice can be done during all occasions. Check out www.birthdaywishes.org or www.toysfortots.org

De-clutter- Children can be a part of this activity too. Giving each child a bag and having them fill it with toys they no longer use and clothes that no longer fit. Have them help pack up the stuff and bring it to a shelter. You can even have your kids decorate the bags and boxes that the items will be packed in.

Letters/drawings - One of the Gems from Mother May I, was to write a letter or to draw a picture for our mothers in their honor, but this is an activity that can brighten so many faces. A sick child in the hospital, a soldier over seas, or an elderly person in a nursing home.

Bake cookies for a neighbor - Children love baking at home. Take it a step further, make something, pack it up in a box and walk over to a neighbor who would appreciate the thought. Perhaps an elderly neighbor, a new neighbor, a neighbor who has been sick. I would bet, delivering the cookies or food becomes more fun then making the cookies.

Be a Girl Scout/Boy Scout, join the Humane society - These programs are designed to teach our children how to be an active member of their community and how they can do good for humankind through fun activities. Check out www.girlscouts.org

Care for a pet - There are many different types of pets and each one offers the experience of comfort and love. Caring for an animal takes some work and allowing our children to take on these tasks are rewarding in many ways.

If you cannot have a pet of your own, you can help a friend or neighbor by pet sitting or walking the animal and helping to feed it. Many shelters are always looking for volunteers to help as well. Check out www.aspca.org

For those who have a pet, the unconditional love you get in return is priceless. If you have a pet and know of someone who can use a little cheering up, see if they would enjoy a visit from you and your pet.

Plant a garden - We discussed the topic of nurture and the ability to take care of others. Planting a garden requires a lot of care and love. This offers a great learning experience about our earth and nature. The results are loads of fun and yummy too. Check out www.seedsofchange.com

Run, Walk, Bike for a cause - A great activity and experience for all. My one tip is, if you have young walkers, bring a stroller for the journey! Any one who has experienced crossing the finish line knows the emotion and pride that happens. To experience this as a family is even better and adds to your book of memories.

Fundraising - Before sitting down and putting together these gems, i asked my daughter if there was a way to help other children who do not have a home or food what would she do? It was amazing to see her eyes light up and she started throwing out several ideas, the first being give them money. I asked what are some ways we can get money? Kids love setting up a lemonade stand. You can ask friends and neighbors to donate unused toiletries, make-up and perfume which can be donated to centers that help women get back on their feet. Depending on your familyʼs age range there are several ways to raise funds. Check out www.volunteer.org


Reward - Make sure your children feel the appreciation for all that theyʼve done. Discuss the outcome and finished product. Make sure they are part of the planning and the giving. Tell them you are proud of them and why.
The opportunities to give back are endless. There are so many ways to make a difference big and small. The list of ideas can on and on. Know that every little bit you do is important and the rewards are tremendous.

Our friend and special guest Jaime Rapfogel (founder of the Long Island branch of the non-profit organization Birthday Wishes) shared some wise words “Be self aware of the world around us...it makes you appreciate what you do have...and our kids will learn to think of others”

Does it get any better than that?

M’s Gems