How crafts can inspire children to practice kindness
Eighty percent of young people participating in a recent Harvard study said their parents were more concerned with their achievement or happiness than whether they cared for others. We all want to raise empathetic children. As a mother of two very blessed young children, I wanted to teach them about giving back and helping others early. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find many opportunities due to their age. I knew I didn’t want to just have them donate money either since they don’t even understand the concept of money. As a result, I created Little Loving Hands.
Little Loving Hands is a new subscription business that allows kids to directly support philanthropic causes. Every month, a new kit is delivered to your door and includes the materials needed to create a craft which is SENT back to a spotlighted charity. In addition, the kits include educational and age-appropriate information teaching the child how, why, and who they are helping and reinforces the importance of empathy.
Projects have included stuffed toys that are being included in the welcome bags given to patients staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities as well as accessories for children with fallen, deployed, and injured parents that have served in the military. We aim to show that the littlest people can have the biggest hearts.
Crafts are a great way for children of all ages to learn as they focus on structured activities with a purpose. Children receive stimulation when they are taking part in craft projects since they need to focus on their imagination and understand what they are making and why they are making it.
By using crafts, children are able to feel that they are directly contributing to a cause with their efforts. This also helps them understand and empathize with another person.
Four-year old Ava, who used the kit said: ““It makes my heart feel happy that I was able to help sick kids. Can we do this every day?” Her creation was gifted to a child at The Children’s Inn.
To find out more, please visit our website.
Bio: Lily Yeh is a mother of two young children from Northern Virginia. She has held multiple executive positions at high profile companies and wanted to apply her experience and skills to an effort that would give back to the community.
