THE VIRTUE OF VOLUNTEERING

Encourage your offspring to give back

Taking time out to help others is beneficial, not just for those on the receiving end, but for those sharing their kindness as well. This isn’t restricted to adults either, with kids able to help in their own way.

Carole Schlessinger, co-founder of Kids Giving Back – an organisation that provides age-appropriate volunteering opportunities – explains how this can be a great way for children to develop a deeper sense of self.

BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING

The feel-good elements of selfless acts include being part of a community, learning new skills and combating feelings of isolation. Volunteering can also help give children perspective and understanding outside their own situation.

“Creating volunteering opportunities for young people is a proactive approach to providing our youth with some answers in their search for meaning, as they develop a commitment to society and understand their role in making a difference,” says Carole.

It also goes a long way in building empathy, she adds.

“Through volunteering, children cultivate openness in the way they connect with others, instead of a fear of difference,” she explains.

For older children, the benefits extend beyond building resilience, empathy and confidence, and can also help pave the way for their future choices. “Young people have the opportunity to engage with their community, identify areas of personal interest for future career opportunities, develop employment skills and experience a sense of empowerment by actively contributing to the community with other like-minded young people,” says Carole.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

While there are many volunteering programs you can get kids involved in, Carole explains that positive role modelling begins in the home. “Our children are watching us

very carefully, and if you act in a caring, kind way to others, this will grow empathy in your child,” she says.

WHERE TO START

“For younger kids, parents can take their children to visit an elderly family friend, or they can speak to their local aged-care home about visiting regularly,” advises Carole.

“A simple explanation about why they’re visiting, to break the person’s loneliness, is all that’s needed.

“Picking up rubbish from the beach or a local park, participating in a local council bush regeneration morning, making food and taking it to a friend who’s not well – [these] all send strong messages to our children,” she adds.

If your little one is passionate about animals, enquire at your local shelter if there’s anything they could do to help out. This might include participating in a fundraising fun run, selling treats at a bake sale or helping walk the dogs.

Once you discover your kid’s interest, you can work together to find activities they might like to do.