Anytime is a good time for giving, but during the holiday season we all feel an even greater push to help people in need. Not only is this special season a great time to be philanthropic, but it also provides an excellent opportunity to teach your children the value of service. By introducing your kids to the joys of giving, you set them up for a life of generosity and fulfillment. Here’s how to teach your children the magic of service in the weeks ahead.
Be a Good Example
Your kids will only become interested in service if they see that you’re interested in it as well. Don’t think you can send your kids off to volunteer while you hang out at home. For the message to really stick, you need to walk the walk yourself.
Explain All the Giving Options
Sit down with your kids and describe all the different ways that a person can do good for the world. Explain options beyond conventional volunteering, from monetary donations to bequest programs to help children. It’s important that your kids have an overall idea of the service landscape.
Make It Fun
If you sign your kids up for an arduous or boring task, they might come to resent volunteering altogether. Make sure you pick an activity that will encourage future efforts rather than taint service in their minds forever.
Accept Quick and Easy Jobs
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that service has to be an all day event. You can find plenty of activities that you can squeeze into your busy holiday schedule. It’s better to provide consistent service in small doses than to have a single service-themed day. Regular jobs will do more to build good habits in your children.
Research Service Options
You don’t always have to pick the first volunteering job that you hear about. With a few minutes on the internet, you can uncover lots of opportunities that don’t necessarily appear at first glance.
Let the Kids Choose
Well it’s fine to steer your kids in a particular direction, it’s best that they ultimately choose the activity. We all know how quickly kids develop an aversion for anything they’re forced to do against their will.
Engaging in service is a great way to enrich your children’s lives and promote the welfare of the community. Keep these tips in mind as you promote a philanthropic mindset in your kids.
