By volunteering, children will learn it is important to give back to your community.
Every parent wants to instill the right values in their children, so they grow up to be well-rounded adults. By encouraging your children to participate in community service projects, you can help establish a compassionate outlook. Volunteering gives children the ability to learn the importance of service -- which can result in a lifetime of giving back to community.
Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
If your child loves being around animals, encourage her to volunteer at a local animal shelter. Tell her that many of these animals have been abused and could benefit from the love of a human being. She can help bathe the animals, clean their cages and play with them outside. Animal shelters also appreciate donations such as pet food and toys.
Help Out at a Soup Kitchen
Many homeless people and less fortunate individuals go to soup kitchens for their meals. Explain to your child that there are people in society who struggle and need a helping hand. Take your child to a soup kitchen and bring food items from home to donate. During the visit, he can help prepare and serve the food, and then clean up. In addition, encourage your child to bring a couple toys to give to other children who eat at the soup kitchen.
Visit the Elderly
There are many elderly people in nursing homes who are lonely and could use a friendly visit. Contact a nursing home and tell them that you have a child who would like to spend the day there, helping the elderly. There are many enjoyable things a child can do with an elderly person, including playing a board game, reading a book and sharing stories.
Clean the Beach
Gather a few of your child's friends together and clean up your local beach for a day. Bring plenty of garbage bags and pick up any litter on the beach. The children may begin to appreciate their environment and learn the environmental effects of a dirty beach. If you don't live by a beach, clean up a park instead.
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