“Giving back” is such a loaded term. We say it all the time, yet the phrase itself assumes that you have more than you need, and then it feels like only something the very rich and privileged can do. But the world holds many ways that people can give back to their communities, and in this holiday issue, we cover the most important topics to Beijing families.
First, there is simply the generous philanthropic spirit of our capital city. We have eateries that give back, both with food specials and job training (p. 18), and Feast (Food by East) that offered our student writer Qinglan Du and her mother, fresh out of quarantine, a joyous culture shock after such a difficult year (p. 16). You may have heard of Beijing’s blind massage parlors and wondered if they’re real or legit. Contributing Writer Robynne Tindall looks at their history and also tries one herself, learning how what some see as a disability actually helps the masseuse go deeper in their work to help people relax (p. 26).
Giving goes beyond simply nonprofits and charities, however. Beijing has teachers who use their talents in geography to show kids their place in the world (p. 28), and art educators who help students express their whole selves through artistic expression, as our Harrow Beijing students demonstrate (p. 30).
I know when it comes to my children, it’s hard to reconcile the consumerist messages they get around the holidays with the values of gratitude and generosity we want to instill in them. Resident Early Education expert Julie Wolf shares some excellent ways to counter the societal need for gifts with new holiday traditions that leave everyone satisfied (p. 34), while many local families tell their own stories of giving back together, and how that’s affected the ways their children view the world and their own privilege (p. 22). I tend towards books to open pathways for us to discuss complex subjects and chose some of my favorites for gift giving this year (p. 36).
Finally, Beijing mom Vivienne Rush shares her family’s “foster fail” story when they jumped into fostering for Lost Puppies with all their heart, soul – and perhaps a little too much attachment to the sweet pup Kamina on our cover (p 40).
We hope this issue can be beijngskids’ gift to you: we wish for everyone reading to feel a bit more hope in our world, in the great and generous people who contribute to it, to learn of more places where you can eat, enjoy, and volunteer as a family. We hope you can find a few more ways to instill both the kindness and responsibility needed in our children to make sure that 2021 is better than 2020 and beyond.
KEEP READING: Kids + Arts Camps = Empathy
Photos: Dave’s Studio
This article appeared in the beijingkids 2020 December issue
