There is nothing more wonderful, more inspiring, more refreshing than the smile on the face of someone who has received a gift or for whom something helpful has been done. Offering a hand to someone who needs it, giving away things we can spare to those who don’t have much, finding time to spend a note of thought to a relative or friend –– the simple ideas of giving and caring and sharing the emotions woven with them make us feel lovely. Random acts of kindness are felt, held and usually returned with warmth.
Sharing is more than just a great quality to have. Young children usually have a tough time sharing, especially if they are an only child or are accustomed to playing alone. Modelling a caring behaviour, spending quality time with them and listening and understanding their thoughts and feelings help us to address the development of an attitude to share.
It is a great idea to talk to the little ones about situations they witness or talk about. Something like “I feel terrible about these little children who (spend the time begging on the streets) don’t have homes. Do you think there is anything we can do to help them?” If they feel there is, listening to them and talking about possibilities like needy organizations, charity events or shelter homes makes the children look at possible avenues of giving. It helps if we allow children to feel as though it was their idea, and congratulate them for being caring enough to take action. It helps them realise that many people can feel bad about certain situations; its those who take action, however small, that will change the world.
However, the power of joyful giving does not have to start or stop at big events. It starts at home and in the neighbourhood and community. A new neighbour, an elderly citizen, a person with a lot of shopping –– little things in their little world, things that will affect them. If we move towards sharing and giving in our life, out children will too. The little ones learn so much from what they see…. the way we talk, the way we walk, the way we care, the way we share…
I can never forget something I heard a young child say many years ago. It was his birthday, and he told his parents he wanted to give some sweets to the little boys who ran around in the streets. When he took out the sweets, he asked one kid, “When is your birthday?” The little kid in almost no clothes said, “I don’t know.” There was a hug and a clasp of hands, and the words, “Okay, its today, so let’s eat sweets.” The smile on their faces –– one who gave, one who took –– has remained in the backwaters of my mind.

Dr Gayatri Bezboruah is Associate Professor of Paediatrics, Guwahati Medical College. She can be reached at drgbezboruah@sify.com or melange. sentinel@rediffmail.com.