2017 Five Star Journal Winter Issue

PARENT POINTERS
‘Tis the season of giving
Promoting volunteerism at home
The word “volunteering” might not make sense to a young child, but even children as young as
three can learn the value of helping others. Now is the time to start or enhance a family tradition
of serving others; not only during the holiday season but also year round.
HOW VOLUNTEERISM BENEFITS CHILDREN
• Volunteering helps teach social responsibility
and kids develop empathy and compassion.
• Kids who volunteer develop self-confidence
and positive self-esteem.
• Teen volunteers are less likely to be involved
in “at-risk” behaviors and more likely to make
healthy life choices.
• Volunteering allows kids to gain and master
new skills for future use.
• Kids who volunteer are more likely to benefit
from and remain engaged in community
activities.
• Kids see first-hand how they can improve
the community in which they live.
Volunteering in itself provides a number of physical and mental health benefits for kids, but
volunteering as a family offers additional benefits. It teaches children the importance of helping
others, teamwork and generosity, and builds stronger connections between family members
and your community.
VOLUNTEERING AS A FAMILY
- Be a giving role model. Set an example. Show
your child the importance of volunteering
and share this special time together.
- Make it fun. Volunteering doesn’t need to
be a chore. Find something that interests
your child or family and that matches your
family dynamics.
- Volunteering doesn’t have to take a lot
of time. Start small by trying a one-time or
short-term activity.
- Make it part of the family schedule. Families
are busy. The trick is to build volunteering
into your schedule so that it becomes a
priority.
Look for opportunities through your school or community to find ways to volunteer nearby.
Sources: www.unitedway.org and www.pbs.org/parents
Five Star Journal, Winter 2017 | 19