When is the right time to teach your children the satisfaction and commitment of helping others?
For the Sameth family, the lesson begins in Preschool. Nevan and Teagan, 4 yr. old twins and Noelle age 2 were given the opportunity to feel the empowerment of philanthropy and also “relate” to it as well.
Tanya Sameth, the tots’ mother, understands and sees firsthand the critical role preschool plays in the development of her daughters. She witnesses the creativity, the confidence, learning skills and “edge” participating in this environment gives her children every day. At the same time Tanya acknowledges that all too many children are at a disadvantage for life because they are not entering the kindergarten with the same skills and confidence of their peers who attended preschool. The love of learning changes the course of one’s life for the better and it is critical to start the process young at an early age.
“My girls are so happy every day. They come home wanting to discuss numbers and the alphabet, books, and art projects. They can’t wait to tell me what happened at school and how much they love it. I feel so fortunate to be able to give them the opportunity of an early education and wanted them to recognize that kids their own age would also love to attend preschool but can’t because their mommy and daddy don’t have enough money to send them”.
The message sunk in and the questions from the girls mounted. To answer and increase their understanding Tanya brought the children to the Preschool Advantage office where Karen Titterton, PA director, explained in simplistic terms the process and who it benefited. She gave each girl a “leaf” (that represented their donation to the Preschool Advantage giving tree) that they could wear proudly and tell others that it meant they helped send a “friend” who does not have enough money to pay for preschool, to preschool. Emptying their piggy banks and donating was relatable and translated in instilling pride and satisfaction for the act of “giving” to others who are less fortunate.
Tanya clearly was the most “proud” of all. It is never too early to teach what charity is all about and it is never too early to start on the path to success in life through teaching the love of learning which starts in preschool. Everybody wins.