In her warm, welcoming, and often funny book, Weisman shares real-life stories collected from all over the world of how parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, Scout leaders, friends, next door neighbors, and her own family have either initiated or supported ways to teach children how to give back to those in need. But she doesn't stop there. After each of the stories, Weisman offers specific steps to help anyone translate these ideas into action. In this way, she turns what might have been just a lot of wonderful stories into a set of practical maps or models anyone can use to start making a difference now.

A great gift for any parent or parent-to-be!

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Getting Past Gimme-Gimme
When I heard my youngest son say his first word— “Donalds,” short for McDonald’s—I knew I was in trouble. When he was two, he told me he wanted a Walker mobile home and a Remington electric shaver for Christmas. He could barely walk, yet already Jono was latching onto the consumerist, “gimme-gimme” mindset that permeates our society. I could see that some major values education was needed—otherwise, my angelic, golden-haired child was going to turn into a materialistic, selfish little brat. . . .

Children today are inundated with all kinds of messages about being consumers—to want for themselves rather than to give of themselves. But putting a cell phone in their pockets and the right shoes on their feet will never provide the long-term happiness fix children crave. What they need even more is the warmth of human contact—the warmth that comes from giving more than receiving.

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