A Lesson in Giving Food

Health and Safety Lessons for Kids by Susan Kramer

Contents

1. A Lesson in Giving Food
2. Backyard Physical Activities
3. Create a Safe Outdoor Space for Kids
4. Halloween Safety Ideas for Kids of all Abilities
5. Harsh Weather Tips
6. Holiday Safety for Kids
7. Holistic Living Benefits All Kids
8. Illness or Accident Leading to a Challenge
9. Make Autumn a Time for Kids' Yearly Checkups
10. Street Safety Tips for Kids

11. Teach Kids a Relaxation Technique
12. The New Classroom or School when Challenged
13. Walking and Talking with Kids
14. Warm Up Exercises Outdoors in Cold Weather
15. Winter Tips for Challenged Kids
16. Mercury and Developmental Problems
17. Get the Lead Out - Lead Poisoning Dangers

1. A Lesson in Giving Food

One of the greatest lessons I learned from my father was giving. Helping out others less fortunate was a task he took to heart.

My father had some learning disabilities, but that did not keep him from fully using other abilities including building our own house beginning when I was about 6 years old.

The point is that even if we have some shortcomings we can make the most of our life and help others too, to the best of our abilities.

A way to give food

One way to help out in these downtrodden times for many is through sharing our food, making gifts of food to children who would otherwise go hungry on weekends when they would not be eating their free breakfast and lunch at the local elementary school.

My father did not want to go public with his donations, so what he would do is go food shopping after dark and leave the bags of groceries on the doorsteps of the families in need. How clever was that!

He could give, and being painfully shy, not have to be present for a thank you. He was a year round Santa to many families along the river where I grew up.

Sometimes it is hard to learn from what our parents tell us to do, but just this example of his kindness in the face of need was an example that opened my eyes to seeing the need wherever I lived.

I found out about his acts of charity one summer when I went to visit him. He suggested we go for a drive and he took me by the homes where he helped out, telling me about his nighttime giving. He went up highly in my regard from that point on.

I use the lesson from my father who eventually passed out of this life in a quiet manner; his obituary reading that he had enjoyed swimming, sailing, and fishing along the river. But, I knew that way beyond that he served the needs of families less fortunate in the community in unseen ways of giving out free food, which helped others and made him feel good about himself.

Buying food for others need not cost you more. For example, by buying your family a less expensive dessert, you can feed a family a supper of peanut butter and graham crackers, which are non-perishable items and excellent donations.

Do not let learning disabilities stand in your way of reaping a full life. Use the talents you have to develop yourself and you may find you can help others less fortunate, too.

Article by Susan Kramer

Kinesthetic lessons: