by J Gardener

Most young children develop as demanding little beings, who cry when they need anything, from food to a changed diaper. As they grow, parents must teach them compassion, generosity and the rewards that come from treating others with kindness. Not an easy task, at all.

Doing good for others is a foreign concept to a young child, who has been in survival mode since birth. Children innately understand their own helplessness, and are innately reluctant to learn how to be proactively generous. Some parents need help in teaching their children the first lessons in kindness and good deeds, so they conjure up the approval of the one adult every child wants to please: Santa Claus, himself.

As autumn advances toward December and Christmas, children everywhere are reminded of the one serious note in the Santa legend. He knows, the song says, when you've been naughty, and he knows when you've been nice, when you've been bad and when you've been good.

As Christmas approaches, many parents find that children are so eager to please Kris Kringle that they're willing to do just about anything, including practicing good deeds and good behavior, in order to have their Christmas wishes fulfilled.

Teaching young children to do good deeds is a great way to start their training in kindness. Good deeds can be tasks, such as helping Mom with the laundry or dinner, or helping Dad rake the yard. Children can help around the house with chores, or simply be quiet in church, earning brownie points, as Santa regards their efforts at being nice.

For parents who try such a method for teaching kindness and good deeds, it's important that they follow through on the rewards promised. In other words, for children to learn, then Santa Claus really has to recognize their efforts and bring them some wonderful goodies on Christmas morning.

Once children understand the concept that good deeds can earn real rewards, then parents can expand on this type of training, asking their children to perform a specific number of good deeds. Ultimately, if good behavior is always rewarded, children will naturally choose the right path.

Eventually, Santa Claus won't be the reason children choose to be nice, as they grow accustomed to the positive reactions they create in the world around them. And that's OK with Santa. He's just happy he could help.

About the Author:

Imaginary Greetings is dedicated to intensifying the Christmas spirit and awareness in children globally. You can build that for your children with phone calls from Santa. Get your own completely unique content version of this article. Caravan Holiday North Wales.