“We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.”
–Winston Churchill
I am nearly 100% certain that there is not a parent alive that wants to hear the words “me, me, me” or “I want, I want, I want” 24/7 for the next 18 years. Children are taught at a young age to share with others. In most cases, sharing is temporary, and children quickly learn this. Parents reach a point at which they want to teach their children to appreciate the power of giving, and not necessarily receiving in return. Volunteering is a great way for parents to teach appreciation and gratitude.
Research shows that adults are more likely to volunteer if they were expected to volunteer as children, especially if they are accompanied by their family. Teaching your children the power of giving to others is literally a lesson that will stay with them the rest of their lives.
Reasons to volunteer:
- It feels good when you know you have helped others
- It strengthens your community
- It can strengthen your family
- It gives you the opportunity to explore and learn new things
- You can meet new people and make friends
- It will boost your self confidence
- It will teach you to feel less helpless and more in control of your world.
A group of 10, 11 and 12 years olds were asked, “Why is it important for young people to volunteer?” These were their responses:
“It teaches humbleness, something I could use. Also, it teaches you how many people need help around the world. You want to help more and more. It gets kind of addicting.”
“If people didn’t get involved, when they grew up, they would not be good at working with people.”
“It helps you get moving instead of sitting around the house all day.”
“It’s important for young people to help out because it shows they care for their community.”
Ways to give back:
- Volunteer at an animal shelter
- Foster animals until they have a new home
- Help collect new toys for Toys for Tots during the holidays or have your child forgo 1 of their gifts and donate it
- Volunteer in a soup kitchen
- Adopt a family through Salvation Army during the holidays
- Make cards (for holidays or otherwise) and take them to a senior center or nursing home and pass them out
- Help elderly neighbors with chores
- Collect change throughout the year and choose a charity to donate it to during the holidays
- Donate last year’s clothes and toys before the holidays and birthdays (make it a tradition!)
- Visit a local mall during the holidays and adopt an Angel from a Salvation Army tree.
For more ideas and for more volunteer opportunities, go to: www.dosomething.org
freshstartwoman 