The Family That Volunteers Together

[admin]

The Value of Community Service

A major paradigm shift is occurring about what is truly important in our society. In President Obama’s inaugural address, he urged us to inhabit a spirit of service, to develop a willingness to find meaning in something greater than ourselves, and to recognize our responsibility to the world. What greater way to instill that spirit of service in your children than to volunteer with them. Teaching your child early in life that he can make a difference makes it much more likely that he will grow into an adult who makes a difference. Caring about others is one of the most important values we can teach children.

When a family volunteers together, they spend quality time that is fun, rewarding, and relationship-building. Children (and parents) can learn valuable life lessons through volunteering. To someone less fortunate helps children be more appreciative of their own surroundings. To help someone less fortunate gives children a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of joy. Learning the sense of fulfillment that comes from helping others makes your child more apt to live a life of compassion. What is important in the world becomes more apparent as children make efforts to help others or to protect the environment.


Your child (and you) can gain the following benefits from volunteering:

• Improved self esteem

• A sense of duty and responsibility

• Development of social skills through interaction with peers and adults

• Increased motivation

• A greater awareness of the world

• Development of compassion for others

• Team-building skills

• Learning the value of intangible rewards


Furthermore, studies by the Search Institute found that youth who volunteer one hour a week are 50% less likely to engage in high risk behaviors such as smoking, alcohol or drug abuse, and skipping school. Another Search Institute finding identified helping others as the top positive behavior of successful and happy youth.

Volunteering also gives children a way to explore interests like the environment, animals, the arts, and even politics. When choosing what area to volunteer in, make sure you’re not forcing your own agenda and give your child a voice. At the same time, exposing your child to an activity could spark his interest. If he continues to resist, don’t force the issue and allow your child to choose from other options. Volunteering should be a pleasant experience for all. If the experience isn’t gratifying to your child, he’s not likely to be motivated to volunteer in the future.

The family that volunteers together changes lives together and makes the world a better place. Look into local volunteer opportunities and begin making a difference with your family today.



.