Fun Ways to Volunteer with Your Child

Posted on Feb 17, 2022 in Charitable Giving

Volunteering with your child can be a great way to spend time together and teach them about giving back to the community. Many opportunities are available, so you can find one that matches your interests and abilities. Here are some fun ways to volunteer with your child.

Your child is never too young to start volunteering. Research has shown that children as young as six months old can develop a “helper’s high” from lending a hand. And, of course, the benefits of volunteering are well-documented: it helps build empathy and social skills, teaches kids about giving back to their community, and is simply good for their overall mental and physical health.

How your child should start volunteering

But getting kids involved in volunteering isn’t always easy. They may be hesitant or uninterested, or you may not know where to start looking for opportunities. So here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Talk to your child about what they’re interested in

Is there a cause they’re passionate about? A type of work they’d like to try? Knowing what ignites their interest will make finding the right volunteering opportunity easier.

2. Start small.

You don’t have to commit to a long-term project right away. There are plenty of one-time opportunities, like participating in a beach clean-up or helping at a soup kitchen.

3. Look for kid-friendly organizations.

Many organizations cater specifically to young volunteers. Do some research online or talk to your local community center to see what’s available in your area.

4. Make it a family affair.

Volunteering is a great way to bond as a family. It can also be less overwhelming for kids if they do it with someone they know and trust.

5. Be patient.

Kids may not always be enthusiastic about volunteering, but that doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy it once they get started. Like anything else, it may take some time for them to warm up to the idea.

With a little planning and patience, you can help your child find volunteer opportunities that are rewarding for both of you. Who knows – you might even get a helper’s high yourself!

Reasons to volunteer with your child

There are many reasons to volunteer with your child. It can be a great way to spend time together while teaching them the value of helping others. It can also help them learn new skills and make new friends. And, it can give you a chance to model the importance of giving back to the community.

Here are a few more reasons to consider volunteering with your child:

1. It instills a sense of responsibility.

When children see their parents volunteering, it sets a good example and shows them that giving back to the community is important. In addition, this can help instill a sense of responsibility in kids from a young age.

2. It helps them develop empathy.

Volunteering gives children a chance to see the world from someone else’s perspective. They may be exposed to people who are different from them or who have experienced difficult situations. This can help them develop empathy and learn to understand and appreciate others.

3. It boosts their self-esteem.

Doing something good for others can make your child feel good about themselves. Volunteering can boost their self-esteem and help them feel proud of their accomplishments.

4. It teaches teamwork skills.

Many volunteer opportunities involve working with a team of other volunteers. This is an excellent way for kids to learn teamwork skills and how to cooperate with others.

5. It’s fun!

Volunteering can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family. It’s a great way to spend time together while doing something good for the community.

These are just a few reasons you should consider volunteering with your child. It’s a great way to teach them important values and skills while spending quality time together as a family.