No Grocery Store Challenge-Week 2 Unexpected Teaching Moments

Since starting this challenge we have had several unexpected teaching moments with the Viking Children.

 Viking Monkey Boy is earning steps towards his Tiger Badge for Cub Scouts. Many of the activities like talking to vendors about recycling, growing food, and helping feed the homeless are all character building steps found in the Cub Scout laws and promises. Whoo Hoo!! This has been an unexpected gift and surprise.

Talking to the Homeless.....

This last trip to the Farmer's Market we were approached by several homeless men asking for money or food. Since we take the Viking Children on these outings Viking Dad and I have had to sit down and talk about how we were going to discuss this topic with the Viking Children. We want to advocate compassion but also protect them from being taken advantage of by less scrupulous individuals. Last week I shared the Blessing Bags for Random Act of Kindness-Tuesday. You can read about them here.
 In our discussions we were reminded about Saint Nicholas, Saint Martin and even Saint Lucia by the Viking Children. BAAZINGA!
You can re-read my post about the saints here.

We decided we would make a few Blessing Bags and take them with us on our next trip to the Farmer's Market. 

How do other families talk about the homeless and giving charity?

Viking Monkey Boy and Viking Lady Bug did, with Viking Dad's guidance and support, speak to a group of individuals who were using old T-shirts and making them into shopping bags. The "donations" given were to help support their endeavor. Inspired by their effort, or by the coolness factor of the T-shirt bag, Viking Monkey Boy donated a quarter from his pocket. He has mentioned he wants to go back and donate more to their project.

Live Music- Donations

Unlike the canned music found in regular grocery stores there is live music at this Farmer's Market. It has been awesome to listen to live music. I am still looking for the clowns. This particular fiddler had his box open to invite people to give a donation. Another teaching moment for the Viking Children. What are the criteria to give money to a musician? This is a good question which we need to reflect on as a family. Any ideas?

Viking Monkey Boy did give him a dollar because he made Viking Lady Bug dance. Now, that is a good criteria. 

I wonder when or what the next unexpected teaching moment will occur in this challenge. 

Bless Bless

Viking Mom

Random Act of Kindness- "Doing the Most Good."

Tuesday has gone much better then Manic Monday.

This season we decided as a family to really focus on "Giving" and "Charity."  The Viking Kiddos this year have been exposed to the negative effects of materialistic, self centered, and greed this year. These are not the qualities we want to teach or be present in our home.

A beautiful opportunity and teaching moment occurred when Viking Lady Bug spotted one of the Salvation Army bell ringers.

She asked the bell ringer if she was in the "Army." The kind bell ringer gently explain to her she was part of the Salvation Army and that she was ringing the bell to ask people to donate to their red kettle. 

Of course Viking Lady Bug asked, "Why?" 

A perfect teaching moment started about Giving and Charity. Viking Lady Bug had some of her allowance in her pocket. Inspired, she decided to give her money to the red kettle. I couldn't be prouder. She had been saving her allowance for some hot chocolate at our favorite coffee shop. 

Ironically, that same week one of the radio station hosts started featuring stories on his show about what the Salvation Army really does. To be honest; I only knew them for their resale store ( I am a huge Goodwell Industry supporter because of their work training program for the disabled), and seasonal bell ringers. I had a vague understanding of their history as a Christian church. I was surprised at how many services they quietly provide to the community and to our Services Men and Women. 

Check them out here or in your local area.

I love their motto. "Doing the Most Good." Simple and Direct....

Here is my Tuesday Random of Act of Kindness Challenge- "Do the Most Good." 

Do the Most Good in some capacity this year. 

This year Viking Dad and I are supporting our goofy local radio station host in his Red Kettle Donations. He has a gentle competition with his co-host on how much money they can raise. All proceeds go directly to the Salvation Army. 

You can donate by going here.....