In a world where more and more people are too self-involved to care about anything other than themselves, and in a world where parents are raising children who feel like they’re entitled to everything, it’s very important to take a step back and teach children about the importance of putting other people first and giving back. There are far too many people in this world who are battling illness, disease, poverty, loss, and a variety of other things, and it’s important to teach your children to help whenever they can.
Trying to find opportunities to give back when children are involved can sometimes be difficult, but it’s not impossible. The following are four great ways you and your children can give back to help those who are less fortunate.
1. Dinner Benefits/Programs
Local restaurants around your town are often doing their part to give back, whether to a large cause (such as disaster relief funds) or to help a local organization (such as the local school district). When you notice these dinner benefits and programs around your town, try to make it a point to visit that establishment to help. Talk with your child about why you are going there and how that helps people who are less fortunate. Sometimes these establishments have other ways to donate too, so see if your children maybe want to bring some of their change and donate it. For example,Denny’s No Kid Hungry program not only gives back in their own way, but they also accept donations at their establishments too.
2. Volunteer
Depending on the age of your children, volunteering is a great way to give back to the community. Sign up to work at a local homeless shelter, or spend the weekend cleaning up trash at your local park. While you’re doing this, teach your children about why you’re doing it, as well as the cause that you’re volunteering for. The more your children know, the better their volunteer experience will be. Contact local organizations in your area to see if they’re accepting volunteers, or ask your community center or local church if they know of any organizations looking for some extra help.
3. Raise Awareness
Giving back also involves raising awareness about certain causes. For example, if breast cancer is important to you and your family, raising awareness will help teach others about the disease, which can lead to more funding. One great way to do this is to pass out swag, especially at local events. For example, you can buy somepink ribbon jewelry, such as bracelets, and give them out instead of Halloween candy, or pass them out at a community fair. Not only will you help others learn more, but your purchase of these items will help with funding. Again, teach your child about it, and allow them to hand out the jewelry and spread awareness with you.
4. Pay it Forward
Doing asmall act of kindness is a great way to inspire others to also pay it forward. For example, bring your kids to a local fast food restaurant and pay for the next person’s meal. This will usually start a chain of events where people will continue to pay for the next person’s order. You can also do some random act of kindness and bake cookies for your local fire department/police department, or take some change at hang it at a random vending machine. Your kids will have fun making other people happy (and making the cookies too).
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