Volunteering with children is a great way to help them learn about giving back. After all, kindness is free and makes everyone feel good! For busy parents who want to spend time with their kids while still contributing to their community, volunteering as a family is an ideal activity.
Volunteering teaches toddlers and preschoolers about kindness, gratitude and community responsibility. One of the most satisfying, fun and creative ways to unite as a family is volunteering. By doing good deeds, you’re not only setting good example for your kids, you’re also helping the community in which your family thrives.
Children learn valuable skills while “on the job.” Here are just a few ways to give back to your community as a family this October:
- Find something fun! You can base your community service on what interests your family. If your kids enjoy animals, try taking them to a local shelter to help care for abandoned dogs and cats.
- Connect generations by visiting your local nursing homes for “toddler days.” Have your kids create art and make crafts for their “Grandfriends” at the nursing home.
- Put together activity boxes. If your child is a preschooler, let them decorate shoe boxes and fill them with games and candy for kids at the local hospital.
- Donate to a food pantry. This act of giving is also educational. Have your young ones pick out canned goods at the grocery store. Let them count the items along the way. Once you fill up your bag, take it to your local food pantry together so they can see their good deed in person.
Need help finding volunteer opportunities in your area? Check out the following resources from CompassionateKids.com and remember…kindness is never wasted!
- Keep America Beautiful or other local organizations for community clean-up days.
- Ask your local Chamber of Commerce for information about local organizations that may have volunteer opportunities.
- Check for opportunities listed in national volunteer website databases such as VolunteerMatch.org (has a designation for kid-friendly opportunities) or Idealist.org (has designations for teen opportunities and under-age-12 opportunities).
Since 1981, Kiddie Academy has provided a better way to care for and educate children and create stronger communities. The way we see it, community goes beyond the walls of our academies. We strive to be the epicenter of learning and connectivity. When talking about community, we refer to the bonds we create between children and families, families and educators, and educators with communities we serve. That’s why we say Community Begins Here®.
