Submitted by Dan Gilbert on behalf of Primrose Schools. The Primrose Children’s Foundation, through their family of over 230 high-quality day care services, encourages students to discover the warmth of being able to contribute and make a difference in their communities. Dan has written a number of articles on topics varying from bilingual learning to teaching the importance of volunteering.

Cooperation and working together with others is a vital trait when it comes to getting along with other people. Children, however, are not born understanding the concept of cooperation, with the world for young children revolving around the words "Me!" and “Mine!” Cooperation is a basic life skill that is both taught and caught. Children follow not just the teachings of the adults around them, but also the example set for them. If they see the adults in their lives cooperating, children learn how to cooperate.

Learning cooperation through sharing and taking turns helps children build the skills needed to work with others. For these skills to become natural for children, they need to learn and practice them from a very young age. Learning cooperation skills helps them treat others with respect and aids them in making friends and getting along with others. Children who learn to share are building a foundation of caring, citizenship and generosity as well as cooperation.

Model Sharing and Cooperation: Children will listen to what you say, but what you do provides the biggest lesson. When you model sharing and cooperation, they will follow your example. During the holiday season, lead the way by explaining that not all children receive Christmas presents. Let your child help you choose, wrap and give gifts to needy children. Don't be overcritical when the present isn't wrapped as perfect as you'd like. The idea is to promote cooperation on a project and sharing.

Family Tasks: As a family, decide on things the family can do to facilitate the spirit of the holidays. Choose to serve dinner at a shelter. Go shopping for a needy family you know. Let each family member be in charge of locating one or more items from groceries to toilet paper, from clothes to toys. Work together to package the items and deliver them. Children will learn the satisfaction of working toward a goal with others as well the fun of sharing.

Cooperative Baking: As a family, bake brownies or cookies. Let the children decorate what they help bake. The children can use their creations as gifts for friends They can sell them and give their earnings to a charity such as the Salvation Army or other organization that provides food and toys for needy families during the holidays. The family can also work together to make soup to give to a sick or elderly neighbor.

Book Club: Read Christmas stories about caring, sharing and generosity such as "The Little Drummer Boy" who willingly gave what he had at Christmas. Read stories of Santa and his elves and how they cooperate to make the toys for Christmas. Explain the concept that the real joy of Christmas is the spirit of cooperation and giving. Discuss ways your child can help prepare for Christmas, such as helping decorate the tree.

Make Music: Play classic Christmas carols and fun songs such as "Jingle Bells." Discuss what it takes to create the musical experience. Make musical instruments from pans and spoons for drums and rolled up paper tubes for horns. Keep time with the music. Record the ensemble for the Christmas family gathering.