Pinterest is overwhelmed with cute lunchbox printable notes and jokes to put in kids’ lunches. I like to sneak a little note into my kids’ lunches when they are away from me (History Club, etc. for you Homeschoolers!), don’t you? (My son thinks he is getting too old for such things, but I secretly think he still likes it. I’m not going to stop anyway!)
Now I have gotten the kids into the note writing action too. We’re always on the lookout for a way to serve others. When it happens organically, all the better. One thing we have started doing is putting little notes in Dad’s lunchbox. It’s not an everyday thing, but once in a while, as a surprise or when Dad has a challenging day ahead, we take out some paper and pencils and put in a little surprise. My son could always use a little extra writing practice, and this gives it a little meaning. My oldest daughter is just learning to write, so it’s good practice for her too, but even before that she would draw a little picture. When she was old enough, I would write the note and have her trace it in highlighter–great writing practice! My youngest is in the scribble stage, but we make sure she scribbles away and doesn’t get left out!
Service projects don’t have to be big, and they can start right in our home. Serving our dads a little bit of cheer is a great way to prepare our hearts for serving others.
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10
What ways do you teach your kids to serve their own family members?
photo credit: Lunch box note from the wife via photopin (license)
I love this idea–not that my husband packs a lunch–but we could easily slip a note into his truck or paperwork! I love what you said about service projects starting at home–so true!
a
ohAmanda recently posted…Pixar’s Inside Out Family Movie Moms Review
Thanks Amanda! It is an honor to get a comment from you! You have so many great ideas!
Serving cultivates a spirit of generosity!
We have enjoyed service in hiding! What?
It’s really fun to do something for someone, whether it be a random act of kindness or very helpful… And then sit back and watch them be surprised!
I’ve taught my kiddos that serving others doesn’t always need to be recognized or awarded. That Jesus sees them and that pleasing Him is our goal!
As we do helpful things for each other or share kindness in our home:
– finishing someone else’s chore
– leaving a special note
– leaving a treat/snack
– automatically turning on someone else’s favorite tv show
– automatically giving someone else the front seat
You can often hear… “Wow, thanks God! Someone thinks I’m important!”
It is a great feeling to see that act of service brighten someone’s day. Even more often, we are touching lives we don’t know about. We don’t know how much those little things mean.