If she needs to cling to your hand at her cousin's birthday party, let her. Often, a child who is allowed to hang on will become comfortable enough to let go. Generosity Wins the Day Children need to practice thinking of others. They've been encouraged to make gifts to giveto their grandparents or help care for a younger sibling. He justseemed sad and I wanted to cheer him up.
Children can also give the gift of their kindness.
They can be encouragedto take the time to make another person feel good. If their friend missesschool, they can call him on the phone and say they missed him, or tell himthe funny thing that happened that day. Too many kids see a birthdaypresent as simply the price they pay for admission to the party. One mothertaught her son, Adam, the true meaning of a gift by suggesting he give apresent to his friend Caroline, even though he couldn't attend her party. You can reinforce the idea of thoughtful gift-giving by letting your childpick out a present that a birthday child will like.