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Kindergarten Rite of Passage

Ceremony: Family service project
Symbol: Framed family photograph from service project

The kindergartner Rite of Passage Experience enables your family to feel the power of generosity by participating in a service project together. Kindergartners learn best by experiencing life with you. Since serving others is essentially love in action, it is important for your family to do it together. If you are a single parent or even a grandparent raising a child, remember that God looks at all configurations of family as beautiful. Serving together also builds intimacy within a family unit. There is just something about ministering to others that creates closeness and a bond that are difficult to replicate. Your child can learn to embrace generosity and begin to give back—not just take—at school, at home, in the community, and with friends.

The first step in this Rite of Passage Experience is to talk with your child about the needs around him. Talk to him about what the Bible says regarding generosity and service. Think back to your childhood. When was the first time you remember acting out of generosity? Did your family participate in service projects? Share your memories (or lack of memories) with your child, and explain why you think generosity and service are important. Ask your child to examine your own family’s situation. Remember that a child this young will focus better if the discussion is simple.

After your initial discussion, the next step is to ask your child to list things he sees wrong with the world. You can jot down what he says if he does not yet write. This exercise can be incredibly rewarding, because it may be the first time your child looks around to notice the pain others experience. As you review the list, ask him to choose one or two things he wants to help change for those affected. Obviously you will need to help your child think through these issues and talk about how to help in practical ways. In this powerful moment, your child will realize he has the ability to influence someone else for good.

Once the project is chosen, set a date on your family calendar and make the service day a reality. Keep it simple and have fun! Be sure to take a photo of your family during or after the service project. Frame it and display it in your child’s bedroom. This photograph will serve as a tangible reminder for him to live a life of service—a symbol for unleashing generosity in his life. Your child may only be in kindergarten, but he was created to make a difference in the world around him.

This Rite of Passage Experience will shape your kindergartner’s heart and teach him to live a generous life. It has the added benefit of having an impact on the rest of the family too.