Why Volunteering is Important for Your Child

Encouraging your child to volunteer is a great way to help them think of others. Depending on the activity, kids as young as 2 years old can be involved, and starting young helps instill a service attitude that your child will carry forward throughout their life. The benefits of volunteering are many, not only to those receiving help or support, but for your child and your family.

• Volunteering teaches caring, empathy, and selflessness. It raises awareness of those who are in need and teaches that even small acts of compassion are valuable.
• Helping others increases self-esteem, as your child realizes their ability to make a difference on a personal level.
• School performance and attendance are improved in kids who volunteer according to multiple research studies.
• Some volunteer opportunities may provide information about possible careers in medicine, politics, conservation, etc. and listing volunteer involvement is helpful on a resume or college application.
• Physical and emotional well-being are increased by volunteering, as are social skills especially if the activity involves working as a team. Group activities provide the opportunity to meet people of different ages and backgrounds.
• In the wake of a tragedy or natural disaster, having the opportunity to help, for example by having a food drive, makes kids feel less powerless and overwhelmed.
• Volunteering as a family connects kids and parents with a common compassionate goal.

There are lots of ways children of all ages can volunteer. Your local chamber of commerce or downtown association typically has a calendar listing about volunteering opportunities. Food banks often need helpers as well as food donations. Schools and houses of worship are good sources for more options. Look online for organizations that send letters to veterans, deployed troops, first responders, etc.; they love to have cards and notes written by kids to distribute. Think (very) local and see if there is a neighbor who needs help with raking leaves or maybe would appreciate a visit from you and your child. As a reminder, younger children should always be accompanied by an adult for one-on-one situations.

Volunteering helps us feel capable and connected, and yet only 25% of Americans volunteer annually. Coming up is more incentive to get involved– Friday, December 5 is International Volunteer Day. Knowing the benefits, start early making volunteering part of your family’s ‘brand’. You may well inspire others to do the same and we will all be the better for it.