Right now is the perfect time to teach the kids about altruism. When children have to give up something, whether it’s money or time, it helps them see the importance in helping others. Children will benefit from the self-esteem and sense of belonging that comes from giving back to the community.
Here’s a few ideas on how to teach your children to give back:
- Food Can drives: At many grocery stores, they have food drives going on. Have your little one pick out a couple of cans to give to the drive.
- Volunteer for a couple days at a local animal shelter. They’re always looking for people to help walk, wash and play with their dogs and cats.
- Do you have an elderly neighbor? Head to their house with the family and offer to rake their leaves or shovel their snow. And it’s the perfect time of year for that!
- Round up the clothes he/she has outgrown with your child and go on a field trip to a clothing donation organization. Remind him/her that their clothing will help keep other children warm as the holiday season gets closer.
- Find a group of families who would like to participate in bringing lunch bags to the homeless in D.C. On a weekend morning, make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and stuff lunch bags with toothbrushes, chips, and other little snacks. Pile into someone’s minivan and head to the city. Hand out the lunch sacks to help fill some hungry tummies!
- Spend a day volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. They do lots of fun building projects and have special youth programs for ages 5-25. Check out more info here:
- Have him/her put a couple quarters into the Salvation Army bucket, and explain that their quarters are helping homeless and those less fortunate.
For more great ideas and projects, check out these great sites: