Submitted by Emily Patterson on behalf of Primrose Schools. The prominent day care of Primrose is known for its high educational standards, balanced curriculum and safe environment. Primrose is currently raising awareness for Feeding America and their efforts to help Americans in need. To join in, visit their Facebook page where you can donate $1 by liking it or $2 by sharing.
Teaching children compassion can help them understand proper behavior more fully. If they are compassionate, they won’t be as likely to bully or pick on other students. One way you can help teach your children this important lesson is through volunteering. There are many needy people that will appreciate any type of help, especially during the holidays. Help your child understand the true importance of holidays by having them volunteer this year.
Explain that you are going to volunteer this holiday to your child. Discuss what it means to volunteer and discuss why you are doing it. Children may not understand the idea at first but don’t give up. Most children are more receptive and understanding then they are given credit. They are also more compassionate then expected and are likely to enjoy the idea of helping other people.
However, you have to be careful to pick the right volunteer activity for your child. Don’t simply pick the first holiday activity you find. This activity may not be right for your child. For example, your child may not enjoy cooking a large amount of food for homeless people on Thanksgiving. It may be too hard for them to perform. Some older children may really enjoy this activity but younger ones may not. Try to pick an age appropriate activity.
For example, you could have a younger child count the number of cans you have gathered in a food drive. This task is simple enough for younger children to perform. Have them count in groups of 10 if they cannot count much higher. For example, if there are 70 cans, have them make a mark for each 10 cans they count.
Another holiday themed volunteer activity they may enjoy is giving out gifts. Children can travel with you door to door and hand out gifts to needy children that have signed up for the program. Never travel to a complete stranger’s door unless they are already participating in the volunteer program. Children will enjoy seeing the look of joy on children’s faces when they receive toys.
And that is what is most important about involving your child in volunteering: expanding their compassion. Although their help may be necessary to finish a volunteer activity, helping them understand their own power to help others can help them grow into compassionate adults. These compassionate adults may continue the volunteering tradition with their own children.
I hope that todays guest post has been an encouragement to you and that you will take heed and get your kids involved in volunteering. Let this become a year long activity. We can all do better when it comes to making time for others in need. We have all been so blessed. Why not take the time to be a blessing to others all year long?
God bless you,
Haneefah Turner
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