Have your children ever considered using their time for good? Volunteering is one of those self-sacrificing, humanitarian activities, that everyone should strive to do more of. Unfortunately, one of the biggest obstacles to volunteering for most people, is a lack of time.Therein lies the beauty of school breaks – kids have an abundance of time. That’s just one of the reasons they should volunteer during their days off from school. Here are a few more:
Meet and Connect With People
Volunteerism brings forth an opportunity for kids to meet new people from all walks of life, who are brought together by a common cause. This usually leads not only to the formation of strong bonds, but kids will also get to learn from the life experience of fellow volunteers.
These new connections could also lead to networking opportunities that your children could later use when it comes time for them to get into college, or look for a job. You never know who they’ll meet while they’re volunteering, and the relationships that they form now, could make all the difference in their future.
Learn and Develop New Skills
The skills taught in schools aren’t always adequate, and don’t always provide real-world applications. Through volunteer activities however, kids get to learn all sorts of skills such as organizational, leadership, communication, and apply them right away.
The skills they learn during this time will come in handy when looking for a job, and when filling out college applications. Volunteering also provides the opportunity to explore new interests, and develop new passions.
Become Aware of the Challenges of the Less Fortunate
If you’ve ever wanted a way to instill gratitude in your children, expose them to the hardships faced by those less privileged than they are. Many children who volunteer begin to better appreciate possessions that they have, rather than taking them for granted. In fact, some children are less likely to expect extravagant gifts and toys, simply because of seeing up close just how many children have to go without.
It Feels Good
There are few activities as positive and heartwarming as volunteering. Even when it’s hard work, it’s the good feelings associated with giving back that can actually make it fun. Once they have volunteered, your children can walk away knowing that they made a difference, and that they did something truly remarkable for their community.
To learn about volunteer opportunities in your area, talk to your local church, your schools, or community centers. You can also check out Volunteer.gov, for a whole host of opportunities broken down by city and state.