Our children today are very fortunate, but how do we teach them to step outside of their world and help those who are less fortunate?
The best way to learn is through experience. We can talk about all we want but the actual act of serving will make a huge impact on your child. Here are some easy things to get started on.
Start in your own home.
Many of us have accumulated piles of things that we really don not need or at least not as much as others. So go through your things and make some donations.
Donate to a local food bank or pantry.
Go through your cupboards and pick out those things (within date) that you bought but really are going to eat, or give some of your favorite things make a nice meal for someone else. If you can afford it, take a trip to the grocery store and buy some canned and dried goods that will help to make a well-rounded meal. Tell your child how other children may not have food to eat like they do. Look up some statistics on child hunger and poverty for a real eye opener.Donate old blankets to an animal shelter.
Most shelters accept donations of blankets to make bedding for the abandoned animals. You can also pick up some pet food on your way to donate. If you ask, they may let you take a tour so your child can see the animals they helped.Donate clothes.
Help your child to go through their clothes and pull out items that don't fit them or that they never wear. If you live near a shelter or group home see if you can donate them there. If not, donate them to your local Good Will or a thrift store that raises money for a certain charity.
There are also activities that you can do at home to encourage others.
- Write letters or draw pictures to send to the troops. You can search the Internet for where to send your artwork.
- Write a letter to a distant relative who may be lonely
- Draw a picture for an elderly neighbor who lives on his or her own. Make their day and visit a while when you drop it off.
Help out in your community.
Yard work.
If you have an elderly neighbor you and your child can offer to do some raking or snow shoveling for them.Clean up.
Take a trash bag to a local park or woods and pick up litter. Make it a better place for the animals who live in it and the people that enjoy it.Urban Gardens
. If you live in an urban area do a little research and find out if there is an urban garden you and you child can volunteer to help with.Visit.
Both nursing homes and Children's hospitals (live-in care facilities) love to have people come in and visit. Your child can help to brighten some ones day with a simple smile or conversation.
There are ways to teach your child to help all around, locally and globally. Start with these and see where they lead you.
