Learning to share

Austin had two big opportunities to share with those in need lately and embraced them wholeheartedly. On Saturday there was this event in our neighborhood to collect books for village children who did not have books. They asked kids to bring 3 of their old books to give away and then they were given a pencil. I talked with Austin about how he has so many books and some kids don't have any and asked him if he thought he could share some of his books with those kids. He was very enthusiastic and I told him he could pick 3 of his books and he ran up to his bookshelf to pick them. At first he picked his Curious George's ABC book- one of his favorites. I wanted to encourage generosity but also make sure he understood this was to GIVE away not just lend. Then he decided maybe he would keep that one but picked three others. We carried them down to the collection place and he proudly handed them over.

Later that afternoon we had planned to go to a playtime with some underprivileged kids that some people we know are starting to organize. We I told Austin we were going to play with some kids that didn't have as many toys or things as we did, he immediately (unprompted) said he should pick a toy to give them since they don't have any toys. It was very cute and definitely a sweet reminder of a giving spirit that I often lack but wish i had. So we picked a toy (it ended up being a toy monkey from a McDonald's Happy Meal- not his most treasured item, but ...a sweet gesture) and took it and he gave it to a one year old who was there with his mommy. The lady was embarrassed to take it and tried to give it back but I convinced her he truly wanted to give it and she ended up accepting it. It is definitely humbling and encouraging to see him wanting to give to others.