Santa's Opinion Matters
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.
Most adults have learned that compassion and generosity are their own rewards, especially when they're flooded with the good feelings that practicing the Golden Rule can cause. But sometimes parents find that they need extra help, when trying to convince their children of the benefits of kindness. For this help, some parents call on the best friend every child has-Santa Claus.
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 the season gets closer and closer to Christmas, parents often find that, with a bit of encouragement, and a reminder about Santa's knowledge of their behavior, young children are especially susceptible to being taught the concept of good deeds. Children may be totally unimpressed with what their parents want them to do, but when faced with the possible consequences of Santa's discovery that they haven't been good, most children will opt to try the high road.
Parents may start by teaching their children that Santa appreciates simple acts of kindness, like helping around the house, picking up their toys, or brushing their teeth without being asked. Parents can explain that, even these easy tasks can win Santa's approval.
Parents need to be sure, when using Santa's approval as a reward for good behavior, that Santa does indeed follow through with the promised rewards for the children. A few extra goodies under the Christmas tree will show children that being nice really is valuable.
When kids have begun to learn the value associated with their good behavior, and they experience the gratification that comes with the approval they receive from those around them, then they'll be willing to take the chance of performing good deeds for their own sake.
It may be a bit unfair to Santa Claus, to use him this way, but he really doesn't mind. He's around to help children and their parents have the best holiday possible. And, after all, he's not going anywhere. The children of today will be the parents of tomorrow, and they'll have kids of their own. They'll need Santa's help one day, too.
Imaginary Greetings is committed to intensifying the holiday spirit and awareness in children worldwide. You can create that for your children with http://www.santashotline.com/ phone calls from Santa. You can get a http://www.uberarticles.com/?id=25279&b=79 unique content version of this article.
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