Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Children can learn early that helping other people in need is important and opportunities are available all around them. One of the first ways that you can teach children to reach out to others is to model that behavior for them.
When they see parents and other significant adults in their helping others it will become a naturally learned skill for them.
Step2
Find ways that you can incorporate your children into the work that you are already doing. Kids can help deliver meals to shut-ins, they can take toys to kids at local shelters, and they can make and create crafts to touch the hearts of seniors in local nursing homes.
Step3
Take lead of your child. If there is something that they are interested in, then find a way they can get involved and help. If there is a child at their school who loses everything in a fire; have your child donate some of their toys, books and stuffed animals. Take them shopping to buy the child some clothes, shoes or other things that they need.
Getting your children excited about volunteering and helping others is easiest when it is personal and something that they can get excited about.
Step4
Look for other groups that need help and evaluate if it is a project that your family could help with. The opportunities are endless, if you are willing to be helpful and lend your time and abilities to local projects and groups. Include your children in the choice you make so that they will feel involved.
Below is a link to a great website that lists many, many ideas for volunteering as a family with your children.
Novice
