Primary Beginnings child care centers in Raleigh will be celebrating health and fitness this week!
During the holiday season, it's easy to focus on the commercial side of the holidays - buying presents, decorating, baking - it's so much fun, and the joy it brings your kids makes it worth it! But, you also want to teach the spirit of Christmas - giving to others and sharing with those in need. These may seem like pretty heavy concepts for toddlers and preschoolers, so to help you, our 5-star child care center is sharing some ways to get your child involved in giving back to the community and sharing intentional acts of compassion!
Visit a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility
During the holidays, people in assisted living facilities may not have the opportunity to go out and join in the holiday festivities. Fortunately, you and your family can bring the fun and festivity to them!
The Holiday Cheer project at Hillcrest Raleigh at Crabtree Valley invites people of all ages to come visit and bring holiday cheer! Your children can make cards, bake and decorate cookies to take, or you and your family can sing Christmas carol to the residents.
Collect for Troops Overseas
There are thousands of brave women and men who are sacrificing their holidays at home so they can serve their country. Talking to your child about what they do and then taking steps to give back to the troops is another great opportunity. Your family can set up a fundraiser with Operation Gratitude or you can send cards and care packages to individual soldiers through Any Soldier or another vetted agency. No matter if you choose a fundraiser or a care package, your child can learn the importance of supporting and making an impact in a way that is fun and tangible.
Care-Kits for the Homeless Population
When you're driving with your child through Raleigh, and you see someone who is homeless, it can be easier to ignore the person when you're unsure how to respond. However, making care kits designed to help homeless people, you can not only make a big impact on someone's life, you're showing your child how to respond to need with kindness.
You and your preschooler can purchase items that can go in gallon Ziploc bags, like:
- Packages of raisins
- Granola bars or peanut butter crackers
- Small bottle of water
- Socks or cold weather gear like gloves
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Lotion
- Hand sanitizer or travel packages of hand wipes
- Packages of tissues
- Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- Small packet of Advil or Tylenol
Your child can also draw a card or a picture to add in to each kit to help them feel more hands-on while spreading cheer. Keep the kits in the car and when you see someone in need, hand them out.
Taking Care of Animals
We know how much children love animals, and it's important to show care and compassion to them as well as people. One way you can give back is by reaching out to a local animal shelter or humane society by helping your child bake homemade dog biscuits and take them to the shelter. Just make sure you contact the shelter first and make sure it's okay to bring them or share the recipe so they know it's safe.
You can even teach your child how to show compassion to wild animals this holiday season. With winter making its presence known, you and your preschooler can make simple bird and squirrel feeders. Simply gather pine cones, coat them in peanut butter, and roll them in birdseed. After that, hang them from branches or from your fence, and local birds and animals will have a source of food this winter.
Happy Holidays from Our Raleigh Preschool
We want to wish you and your family a safe, happy holiday season. If you are looking for a nurturing, caring preschool for your child, we they will experience and learn kindness and compassion, reach out to us today! If you’d like to learn more about Primary Beginnings or schedule a tour, we’re here to help! Contact our Spring Forest Rd school at 919-790-6888 or North Hills Drive at 919-785-0303 today to get started!