Frenship’s Mental Health Minute includes a monthly theme and challenge. The theme of December is centered around Generosity. The idea for this theme is that students and Frenship Families will embrace opportunities to practice selfless acts of kindness and contribute positively to their community.
This month, students will be challenged to look for ways that they can show generosity to a family member without expecting anything back in return.
Frenship Families are encouraged to show generosity to another family in need during this holiday season. This could be done through volunteering, donating, or finding any way to spread kindness during this season of giving.
Terra Vista Middle School Counselor Courtney Miller believes that generosity isn’t just about giving material things, it’s also about offering kindness, support, and time to others. During the holiday season, when giving is often emphasized, it’s essential to highlight the true spirit of generosity, which involves compassion, selflessness, and empathy.
“Generosity is the act of giving and/or sharing in a way where we do not expect anything in return. This can be done by simple acts of kindness, or in larger ways by taking part in charitable acts within a community,” said Miller. “This theme is an important one to practice during the month of December when it is also the holiday season. I think this is a unique time of year that not only brings awareness to the act of giving but also presents multiple opportunities to give and be generous that are especially important this time of year.”
Teaching students to give without expecting anything in return fosters gratitude, strengthens their emotional intelligence, and builds a foundation for lifelong positive relationships.
“The purpose of generosity and giving is important for students to learn because of the role it has in establishing strong relationships and fostering connection within communities,” said Miller. “We all have a part in our relationships and communities and generosity is a way we can contribute to that! When we show genuine concern for others and a willingness to help, we help create an atmosphere where others can feel valued and supported.”
Miller wants to encourage students to consider the generosity they have received and use those experiences as inspiration to show kindness to others.
“To get started, I would encourage students to reflect on ways they have been shown generosity in their personal experiences and how that made them feel. Then, the students along with their families could make a list of ways they would like to give or be generous during December,” said Miller. “As the month progresses, they could use their list to guide their choices and acts of giving. I would also like to highlight that no act is too small!”
There are many benefits of practicing generosity that positively impact a student's mental health and emotional well-being.
“Practicing generosity can help build strong social connections and a feeling of belonging within a community that is nurturing and supportive,” said Miller. “It can also increase feelings of happiness and purposefulness in our lives. Acts of giving can also help us feel a sense of fulfillment which can create a positive self-image. These are all important aspects to our mental health because it helps us in times when we experience stress or anxiety.”
When it comes to fostering generosity during the holiday season, there are countless opportunities for teachers and parents to guide children in meaningful and age-appropriate ways.
“This is such a special time of year with the holidays being quite a focal point within communities. There is already a spirit of giving and helping those in need,” said Miller. “Parents and teachers can help by bringing awareness to charitable drives like campus Tiger Trees, local food drives, or local toy drives. Students can create holiday cards for senior citizen homes, children’s hospitals, different staff members in their school, or different family members! Families can find ways to volunteer together or help bake/cook holiday meals for others!”
For families seeking opportunities to give back but unsure where to start, Miller shares that there are plenty of resources available to guide them.
"If families are looking for ways to practice generosity this month and are unsure of where to go or look, they can contact their campus counselor or Communities in Schools representatives who can share a list of local agencies and organizations that rely on community help. Families can also call local volunteer centers to inquire about ways to give at any point in the year,” said Miller.
The Frenship Counseling Department believes that generosity is a gift that extends far beyond the holiday season, creating a ripple effect of kindness and connection within the community. By embracing opportunities to give and support others, students and families can make a lasting impact while fostering a spirit of compassion. Whether through small acts or larger initiatives, every contribution adds to the collective spirit of giving.
For more information on Frenship’s Mental Health Minute, click here.