As a parent, it is important to teach your children the value of volunteering at an early age. It will teach them compassion, selflessness and caring. One of the best ways to reinforce volunteerism is to make charity functions a family activity. Find a local organization that helps others or raises money for your community and encourage everyone in your household to get involved. Children who see their parents offer their services for a good cause will show them firsthand how nice it can be to help others. Anytime your child sees you at a charity event, it’s important to explain why he’s giving or donating his time and how it’s important to the community at large.
One such activity our household participates in every year is at a local soup kitchen on Christmas morning. For the past 4 years, everyone in the family has given part of their Christmas by working at a local church to help feed the needy and lonely. My sons often work on the food line helping to serve the people who attend breakfast. Most of them are not poor, but they have no family and are alone during the holidays. The breakfast celebration makes your vacation a little brighter, instead of spending it alone. We always talk about his experience after the church breakfast. Each year they become more aware of how their efforts make the holiday a little brighter for others.
Always show and explain to your children how proud you are of them for their contributions. Post your photos on social media and praise their efforts. One year my son and daughter were in the local newspaper for their involvement in a food pantry. Although you shouldn’t expect any praise for the efforts of the volunteers, it was a proud moment for me to see how happy my children were when they saw themselves in the newspaper.
Most families have a plate full of activities with work, school, sports activities, clubs and other obligations, but making time for family volunteer projects will allow you to spend more time together and teach your children valuable lessons. about your community. The firsthand experience of giving to others will raise awareness and instill empathy and compassion for others in your community. Volunteer teamwork will give your children a sense of accomplishment and pride in their service to help others in need. The following opportunities can help you recruit your children into a worthy endeavor:
• Food Pantry – Many organizations participate in food pantries, such as: Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.
• Soup kitchen: Local churches often participate in or partner with soup kitchens.
• Holiday Meals: Many churches help feed the needy and the elderly during the holidays.
• Fundraisers: These events are usually promoted through the local newspaper or through social media.
What organizations are you involved in that offer volunteer opportunities? Many churches, community organizations, and children’s groups volunteer to clean up their community, help others with their basic needs, or raise funds for people in dire medical or financial need. Volunteering will not only teach your children to better understand the needs of others, but it will likely strengthen your relationships.