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TWU professor says time is a good gift during a bad economy
11/17/09
DENTON — News of the struggling economy seems to drown
out the sounds of Christmas these days, but families can still
have a happy holiday season by giving the gift of themselves.
Dr.
Shann Hwa Hwang, associate professor of family sciences at
Texas Woman’s University, said families still can use
either their time or money to contribute to the economy. However,
he said, with the current economic conditions, “maybe
time will be more feasible.”
Time
spent giving to others can be a precious gift: A family goes
to a nursing home to sing and talk with residents; youth go
to a shelter to serve a meal for the homeless; making phone
calls to friends and family members. All these actions require
giving more of ourselves and our time, but can mean so much
more to others.
Families
also may use free online e-cards to send their holiday greetings
to friends and relatives. “This is a great way to maintain
and nurture important relationships during economic downturns,”
Dr. Hwang said.
Children
also can learn a valuable lesson during tough economic times.
Dr. Hwang said a program in his son’s elementary school
identifies students by numbers only, then gives the age and
wish list of each child. Dr. Hwang said the child whose number
his son drew asked for underwear.
“My
son told my wife and me how sad he would be if he were in
that situation,” Dr. Hwang said. In addition to buying
underwear for the child, his son also gave money from his
piggy bank. “When children learn to put themselves in
others’ shoes, they become more grateful for what they
have,” Dr. Hwang said.
“It’s
important for parents to model behavior for their children,”
he added. “We need to teach them that if there’s
a family in need, we can do something to help — maybe
something as simple as sending a card or preparing a meal.”
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Media Contact:
Karen Garcia
Tel: (940) 898-3456
e-mail: kgarcia@twu.edu
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