All we need to live a good life we learnt in preschool: saying please and thank you, packing away your toys and cleaning up after yourself, taking turns, saying you’re sorry and taking afternoon naps.
These simple yet profound lessons set the stage for becoming great volunteers and embodying these values help make a positive impact on our communities. Summed up, volunteering is love in action.
Teaching your kids the value of volunteering not only reinforces these early lessons but also instil a sense of empathy, responsibility, and community service that can last a lifetime.
In this blog, we take a closer look at what it means to be a good neighbour, the educational value of volunteering for kids, practical ideas for volunteering as a family and where to find opportunities in your community.
We All Need a Good Neighbour
No man is an island. We all live together in neighbourhoods, apartments, communities, and cities. Beyond simply borrowing a cup of sugar or an egg for a recipe, it’s important and life-giving to build relationships with those who share our living spaces. Knowing our neighbours not only builds a stronger, more cohesive community but also enriches our own lives.
Being a good neighbour cultivates a sense of belonging and responsibility. When you do your part to build a supportive community, you contribute to the well-being of everyone in it. This positive ripple effect not only enhances your immediate surroundings but also promotes the development of good citizenship.
By teaching your kids the value of volunteering and being a considerate neighbour, you’re helping them understand that, by doing your share, you’re helping others become better.
Kids Learn Best by What They See
By participating in volunteering activities, children not only contribute to their communities but also develop essential life skills that will serve them well into adulthood.
Many of us are born with a desire to be part of something bigger than ourselves. As parents, it’s crucial to lead by example and show our children what volunteering looks like. Demonstrate that they have the power to change the world for good and stand up for causes they believe in.
“We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count.”
Neal Maxwell
Volunteering offers children a front-row seat to the impact of serving others. They learn invaluable lessons by working alongside others, building their social skills and confidence through interaction and conversation. Volunteering can be seen as an outpouring, a visible display of gratitude for what you have and a desire to share it with others.
Ideas for Volunteering as a Family
For parents, it’s never too late to start volunteering, and it’s never too early to get your children excited about and involved in volunteering activities.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to volunteering, so choose activities and causes that align with your family’s values and are appropriate for your children’s ages and interests.
A good starting point would be to relate volunteering to your child’s passions. For example, if your child loves animals, explain how helping at an animal shelter cares for those in need. If they enjoy sports, discuss coaching or organising sports events for underprivileged kids.
By connecting volunteering opportunities to their interests, children can see the direct impact of their efforts and feel more engaged and enthusiastic about giving back. Ultimately, the goal is to make volunteering a fun and meaningful experience for the whole family.
Here are a few practical ideas to get you started:
- Community Clean-Ups and Gardening Projects: Participate in local clean-up events or community gardening projects to teach children the importance of caring for the environment.
- Food Drives: Organise or participate in food drives to support a shelter in your community.
- Visits to Old Age Homes: Spend time with elderly residents at old age homes to brighten their day.
- Fundraising Events: Organise or participate in fundraising events to support local charities or non-profit organisations.
- Random Acts of Kindness: Encourage your children to perform random acts of kindness in your community, such as leaving encouraging notes or baking treats for neighbours.
How to Get Involved
Once you’ve identified a cause as a family, research local organisations that need volunteers and offer opportunities suitable for all ages.
Many non-profit organisations, like Badisa, have family-friendly volunteer days or specific projects that welcome children. Another great way to get involved is by participating in community events, such as clean-up days, food drives, or charity runs. These activities not only provide a hands-on way to contribute but also allow family members to work together towards a common goal.
