“There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings.”

 – Hodding Carter, Jr. 

This quote reminds me of our ultimate goal as parents, educators and caregivers: We hope to build a strong foundation for children by teaching important values like honesty, kindness and generosity, thereby empowering them to have a meaningful impact on their community.

It’s important to reflect on this goal, especially around the holiday season when many of us take a step back to think about what is truly important. As parents and grandparents, we cherish the smiles and excitement brought to children’s faces around this time of year, but we’re also reminded of the families and children less fortunate than ourselves. Not every child is receiving the roots and wings they need to be successful in life, which is something that Primrose Schools hopes to change with the help of our families and charitable partners.

This holiday season, every Primrose location is participating in Save the Children’s Child Sponsorship program. Our newest nonprofit partner, Save the Children, is the world’s top independent charity for children in need. Its Child Sponsorship program provides vital resources like nutrition, health care and education for children in the U.S. and around the world.

Save the Children’s Child Sponsorship program is especially close to my heart, as I have chosen to become a sponsor myself. The opportunity to make a difference at a fundamental stage in a child’s life is a very rewarding experience.

You can watch the above video to learn more about how Primrose schools are taking part in this important effort.

This holiday season, I urge you to draw on the joy and compassion that comes with giving back to others and join me in sponsoring a child with Save the Children. Together, we can help make a powerful difference in the lives of children in the greatest need and move one step closer to making equal access to early education a reality in our country. Not only will you be contributing to an incredibly meaningful cause, but your own child will observe the happiness you feel giving to others and learn the joy and importance of generosity.

At Primrose, giving without expecting is one of our core values, and we teach this valuable skill to our students through our Balanced Learning® cirriculum. It’s important for children to learn to give to others at a young age so they develop a sense of empathy and citizenship, and the best way they learn this is by actively giving. No matter how you and your family decide to give back this year, I encourage you to involve your children as much as possible so we can pass along the spirit of giving to the next generation.