As mothers, we often find ourselves living day-to-day, focusing on the immediate needs of our children. We wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, try to be on time for our commitments, and more.
We’re busy!
And the most common reason for not volunteering — “there’s not enough time.”
But what if I told you that you could take the time you are already spending with your children and swap your activity for a volunteering experience?
And in the process teach your children the importance of volunteering and giving back to their community.
Volunteering with Kids
Let’s talk about why you should start volunteering with your children and challenge your current assumptions surrounding volunteering.
Why Volunteer with Kids?
Volunteering at a young age can spark a lifelong commitment to serving the community. And talking about volunteering can show the importance you place on giving back. It’s a great time for us to instill a sense of community involvement in the next generation.
And no matter the age, volunteering provides many benefits for adults and children, both emotionally and physically. Through volunteering, we can positively impact our overall mental wellness including our emotions, social interactions, and self-esteem.
As we see more youth struggle with mental health issues and an increase in suicide rates, introducing our children to volunteering could benefit their overall mental wellbeing.
You can also build a community through volunteering, giving yourself and your kids a greater sense of purpose and understanding of what is happening in our local community.
Volunteering provides opportunities to meet new people and socialize. The opportunity to experience teamwork and a chance to potentially learn new skills are additional benefits. Volunteering can also teach children to problem solve and help them gain confidence in a variety of tasks.
Getting your children involved in volunteering can also help them create a greater sense of appreciation for their current circumstances.
And volunteering introduces them to different experiences and unique perspectives, creating understanding and compassion for those around us.
Volunteering with your children can also create intentional conversations surrounding why volunteering is a priority for your family. Your passion for helping others can spark others to do the same, building a future community of helpers.
As parents, it’s up to us to lead by example. When we volunteer, our children are more likely to volunteer. Children want to contribute if they are given the opportunity, and we can help make that happen by providing experiences for them.
Take the Time to Make a Difference
Oftentimes when we hear the word volunteer, we may feel panicked, overwhelmed or even guilty that we haven’t volunteered more. Everyone is busy, especially when you’re caring for your children or family, in addition to yourself. Juggling multiple schedules and activities is hard and the idea of adding another task (such as volunteering) can be so overwhelming you may want to quit before you begin.
Volunteering can have a big or small impact, but the important thing to remember is that you are making a difference. Period. Whether the impact you’re making is visible or not, you’re still making an impact.
Think about a puzzle, if you are missing even just one piece, the project isn’t finished, and the mission can’t be completed. Every volunteering experience you participate in makes an impact. And you are a needed piece of the puzzle.
If you’re looking for an experience to see immediate impact in a well structured environment, volunteering with a non-profit organization is a great way help out. You will get to see the impact you are making by serving someone in need face-to-face in well-planned volunteer opportunities — like at a food pantry or a homeless shelter.
Now think beyond the non-profit community. Other ways to volunteer include small acts of kindness. Shop for items for a donation drive. Or, help a neighbor with a task or clean garbage off the streets. Kids can join you in all these experiences.
Volunteering is right in front of us, in fact, we see or hear about it every day if we start to take notice. There are plenty of opportunities both big and small. Any situation where you’re giving your time to help others in need is volunteering.
Volunteering with Kids: Where to Start
- Find out what causes you and your children care about (such as youth, feeding the hungry, arts, animals, the environment, etc.).
- Reflect on things you all enjoy most (such as shopping, cleaning, organizing, etc.).
- Determine your family’s availability or commitment level (one time, ongoing, weekly, or monthly).
- Look for opportunities that welcome children (check out social media platforms and websites).
- Take action!
Make volunteering a family event. Try a variety of experiences over the next few months and once you find something you all enjoy, remember to start small and be consistent.
Ideas for Volunteering with Kids
- Contact an animal shelter to inquire about walking dogs, playing with the animals, or other opportunities.
- Write cards of appreciation or encouragement to those living in nursing homes, military service members, police, etc. This can be done from the comfort of your home, whenever you want!
- Make blankets.
- Shop together to pick out items for local donation drives.
- Teach Sunday School or volunteer with your church.
- Pick up litter.
- Reach out to homeless shelters or food pantries for kid-friendly volunteer opportunities such as cleaning, sorting, or organizing.
- Help a neighbor with their outdoor tasks.
Check out this post Where to Volunteer with Kids in Fargo & Moorhead for more ideas!
What is your favorite volunteering experience with your children? Let us know in the comments below!
