Raising Children Who Care: Volunteering Ideas for Kids
By: Silvana Clark
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At some point during the parenting journey, many moms and dads find they look at their children and think, "You kids don't know how good you have it. There are children without homes, clothes, or food, yet you seem less than grateful for all of the things you have." Maybe you've actually voiced these opinions (loudly, even!) to your kids. It's true—so many of our nation's children have little reason to understand the comfortable lives they lead. There is, however, a way to help children learn about a world beyond their wants and desires: Volunteering.
Before you have visions of dragging your children to a seedy part of town to work at a soup kitchen, relax. Volunteer opportunities exist that are suitable for all ages and interests. Getting children involved in volunteering is an ideal way to expand their awareness of the world.
Ken Bentley, administrator of the Nestle Very Best in Youth Program, says, "By volunteering, young people experience the many blessings that come with giving service to others. They also learn important life skills like being responsible, organization, leadership, and a caring spirit."
Many schools now require students to participate in volunteer activities as a graduation requirement. It's one thing to see a starving child on TV, rummaging through scraps in a dump in India, but when your children meet a child living in a homeless center in their own community, suddenly poverty becomes real.
Not all volunteer activities need to involve "serious" situations. Consider the family that established a routine of staying after church for 30 minutes each Sunday. They went to the church nursery and disinfected the baby toys to reduce the spread of germs. A simple act such as washing teething rings helps children see their efforts contribute to a better environment for babies.
Looking for practical ways to get children involved in volunteering? Try some of these ideas:
Bedtime Snack Sacks:
While most kids enjoy a bedtime snack, children living in homeless shelters seldom have that treat. With your kids, decorate a number of lunch bags with markers, sequins, and glitter. Fill each bag with a juice pack and non-perishable treat such as a granola bar, packaged crackers, or dried fruit. Add a small "Happy Meals" type toy as a surprise. Deliver the snack sacks to a women's shelter. For privacy reasons, your child may not actually see any residents at the shelter. The experience should foster some meaningful conversation with older kids about why the shelter exists and how it's supported, while younger children will feel good knowing they helped another.
Dog and Cat Fun:
Local humane societies look for volunteers to walk their dogs. See if your family can register as dog walkers. You'll get exercise along with the dogs! Kids can also collect old towels and newspapers to donate to shelters to use for animal care.
Many senior citizens cherish their pets. Seniors on limited incomes often have difficulty paying for pet food and supplies. How about getting your children to collect pet food and then donate it to a senior center? One family I know got out their trusty red wagon and went door to door in their neighborhood, asking pet owners to donate food. (Ask people without pets if they can make a cash donation.)
Outdoor Clean-Up:
Contact your local Parks and Recreation department to see if they need help on trail clean-up. Kids can help staff create trails, plant flowers, and maintain park facilities. One park in Bellingham, Washington, uses volunteers with donkeys to clear trails!
Road Runs:
Offer to be a volunteer with a local road run or sports event. Organizers always need people to take registration or to distribute T-shirts. Children can pass out water or even hold the ribbon at the finish line.
Entertainment:
Do your children have dramatic or musical talents? Have them practice a skit, song, or musical piece. Offer to present a "talent show" to a local nursing home.
Coupon Collecting:
Look through newspapers and magazines and collect coupons for groceries and household supplies. Ask your neighbors to contribute some also. When you have a bundle of coupons, donate them to a shelter to help stretch their budget.
Decorating Delight:
Volunteer to decorate for seasonal activities at nursing homes or group homes. You can purchase inexpensive streamers, balloons, and decorating supplies—and for a personal touch, kids can make some of their own decorations. Even toddlers can help out with paper chains or adding their own artwork.
Reading Fun:
Check if the local library needs help with reading programs. Children can make posters about upcoming events or dress as a storybook character. Additionally, older kids may read to seniors at nursing homes or to someone who has lost his or her vision.
Volunteer Center:
See if your community has a volunteer center. These facilities usually have a list of organizations that are looking for volunteers.
When children volunteer, they often find themselves in a position where responsibility is required. Did they sign up to plant flowers at the community center? Then it's important they follow planting and watering instructions. At the turn of the century, children knew they were needed to help plant crops and take care of livestock—but as children volunteer today, there's a newfound sense of being needed. Children gain self-confidence when they know they've made a real contribution to a volunteer project. The Search Institute reports that youth who volunteer just one hour a week are 50 percent less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes or engage in destructive behavior. Could it be that youth involved in volunteer work have self-confidence to make positive choices?
Volunteering also puts children in contact with other adults to serve as positive role models. As children work side by side with grownups on volunteer projects, they observe adults giving time and effort to worthwhile causes. Instead of looking up to a rock star advocating skimpy outfits and numerous marriages, your children just might say," Mom, Mr. Stevens is so cool! Do you know he helps sick eagles and hawks at the bird sanctuary?"
As with all new experiences, it can be scary starting to volunteer. Children usually find themselves out of their comfort zone and may need reassurance. It won't be long though, until children realize the inner satisfaction that comes from helping people, animals, or the environment—and if you also get involved in volunteering, they'll benefit from time spent with you, too!
Silvana Clark is a professional speaker on the topic of creative parenting. She's written ten books, including 301 Bright Ideas For Busy Kids. Now that her daughter is a teenager, Silvana misses kissing chubby toddler cheeks.
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