June 21, 2020
It's easy to feel disconnected, as many parents juggle work, school, kids, and extra-curricular activity. But some simple things can bring a family closer.
For busy parents who want to spend time with their kids while still contributing to their community, volunteering as a family is an ideal option.
To set a good example, parents with young children are increasingly making volunteering a regular part of their routine, whether it's delivering healthy meals to those less fortunate, planting flowers at a local park, or spending quality time with people with disabilities.
Reasons to get involved
Lending a helping hand is a great way to introduce the values of working hard, serving the community and caring for others while helping your child understand their purpose. Make it a fun and satisfying way to unite as it:
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feels good
When you commit your time and effort to an organization or a cause you feel passionate about, the feeling of fulfillment can be endless.
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strengthens your community.
When a community is doing well as a whole, we all have a brighter future.
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can strengthen your family.
Volunteering is a great way for families to have fun and feel closer. Start by selecting one or two projects a year and make them a family tradition.
Be selfless and humble as we help others – only then life can have a greater meaning.
How to find a cause that you are passionate about
Start by helping them identify a cause that’s important and personally rewarding – consider a one-time project (collecting children's books and donating them to a nearby hospital) or a longer-term commitment, such as helping people with special needs or setting tables at a local food shelter. Reach out to the appropriate organization to see how you can help and ask about volunteer opportunities and projects in your area.
If you've decided on an ongoing volunteer option, talk to the agency's volunteer coordinator about training and orientation. Visit by yourself before making a commitment, and trust your instincts about whether you think it will be a comfortable environment for you and your children.
What kids can learn from volunteering
It’s never too early to begin as it becomes part of their personal development — something they might just expect and want to do as they learn:
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A sense of responsibility.
Understanding what it means to make and keep a commitment as well as be proud of the results.
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The benefits of being selfless
Children learn that sometimes it's good to sacrifice and that there are important things besides ourselves and our immediate needs.
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Tolerance.
Working in community service can bring us in touch with people of different backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, ages, and education and income levels.
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Life skills.
Volunteering can help young people learn to work as a team member, taking on leadership roles, setting project goals — these are essential building blocks to help them realize their full potential in life.
We hope this inspires you to make the world and yourself better by finding your purpose and passionately pursuing meaningful possibilities.
