Black brush lettering on ivory handmade paper: “Caring for shared things is one small way to care for the person who comes next.”

Teaching Children to Care for Shared Things

Shared crayons, library books, a church room, a family game: children use things that other people will use after them. Caring for those things can become a simple lesson in noticing a neighbor.

to the interests of the others.

(Philippians 2:4, NIV, excerpt)

Philippians 2 calls believers, united with Christ and comforted by His love, to consider the interests of others. Paul goes on to describe Jesus’ humility and obedient self-giving. Attention to another person’s good grows from the life and love Christians receive in Him.

Remember the person who comes next

Try asking, “What would help the next person enjoy this too?” A young child might put the lids back on markers. An older child might return a borrowed item with all its pieces.

Demonstrate the action as you explain it. Work beside your child while you sort, clean, or put something away. Explain how the care serves a real person: “Now the next family can find what they need.”

If something is damaged, help them tell a responsible adult and take an appropriate part in putting it right. Keep the response focused on honesty, care, and learning.

You can include this habit in everyday family prayer. Thank Jesus for the people who share with you and ask for help to treat their things thoughtfully. Ordinary responsibility can give children a concrete way to practice consideration.

A prayer

Jesus, help our family notice the people who share these things with us. Teach us to use them carefully, return them thoughtfully, and take responsibility when something needs attention. Grow consideration in our daily habits. Amen.

Read Philippians 2:1-11 in the NIV.

Keep reading: Helping Siblings Treat Each Other With Honor · Giving Credit to the Person Who Helped.