Less in giving or keep it anonymous...

[SueC]

I just found out that there is a little girl in my dd's kindergarten class that lives in a shelter. (Thank goodness for school uniforms, I've done activities in the classroom and they sure level the playing field for kids with fewer advantages). Anyhow, for Halloween I'm going to either give her one of our costumes (we've got princess costumes galore at our house) or buy a new one for her, but I can't decide if I should involve my daughter in the whole thing. I don't want to embarass the little girl (and she may be young enough that she wouldn't be embarassed?), but on the other hand, it could be a good lesson in giving for my daughter to give something of hers to a friend. What do you all think???

Is your daughter really close to this girl? If they are good friends, her offering a costume might be a great idea, they could go as twins or something.

Otherwise I would mention your offer to the teacher, who could then contact the girl's mom and make your offer or put you in touch with her.

[mommax3]

I agree that you should go through the teacher on this one. I think teaching our kids to give is great, but maybe in a more anonymous way at first, until they are old enough to make better judgements about peoples' feelings.

Sally

[SueC]

Funny Annie, I read your reply and didn't think anything of it!
I think you guys are right.There are plenty of other ways to teach altruism. That will probably lead me to buying another costume, because if my daughter saw me taking one of her costumes to school and then a classmate wearing it, she'd be way too nosy not to find out what the deal is.