How to Teach Sacrifice to Children

Teaching children about sacrifice lays the foundation of their understanding that nothing in life should be taken for granted. The earlier that they learn the significance of this value, the sooner they will understand their place and position to contribute within a vastly interconnected world.

Instructions

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      Teach your child early to share and cooperate with others. These lessons are at the root of learning the importance and meaning of sacrifice. Temporarily giving up a toy or other object of his own desire to allow someone else to enjoy it brings happiness to another -- and is also likely to be reciprocated when he wants or needs something another person has. Early on, he can learn the inherent benefits associated with sacrifice, whether gains are tangible or intangible.

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      Help your child understand that she cannot have everything she wants. Make sure that she understands the need to weigh options and consequences to make informed and well-considered choices. Instill in her an understanding of when sacrifice may be necessary by talking with her to assess how decisions she makes now may impact on what's available to her later, as well as how her decisions may affect other people around her.

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      Help your child understand the value of the things he wants and has. Depending upon the age of your child, have him work and/or save for items he really wants, earning money or rewards toward them. Help him understand that everything costs something, and anything worth the cost to him should also be worth the work involved to obtain it. This will help him learn not to take his privileges and life blessings for granted, regardless of your family's position.

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      Expose your child to, and teach her about, the circumstances of those less fortunate, including individuals in troubled neighborhoods and other parts of the world altogether. Educate her on her power to make a difference by giving up a little -- whether in terms of time, money or belongings -- to make things better for someone who has even less, or nothing at all.

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      Take your child with you when you take part in service endeavors, and make such endeavors a regular part of your family life. Have him help you cook when preparing holiday meals for the less fortunate, or help you choose items to donate to the Salvation Army on a seasonal basis. Before, during or after your projects, discuss with him why you take part in service activities, and ask how these projects make him feel.

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      Lead by example. Don't grumble when you have to make selfless choices of your own, sacrifice your desires, or contribute time to serving others. More than from anything you say, children learn from everything you do -- and seeing this will teach your child that sacrifice is inherently undesirable and to be avoided whenever possible. Allow her to witness your willingness and happiness to sacrifice out of sincere concern and genuine love for other people, rather than dragging your feet to do good deeds out of obligation.

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