Volunteering your time is crucial to helping the community become better. Not only that but encouraging your kids to volunteer can go a long way towards helping raise ethical, conscientious adults. Not only that but volunteering together can help build strong family bonds. Getting kids to embrace volunteering can be a challenge; here are three tips to help get your family involved in volunteering.
- Find An Organization To Volunteer With That Naturally Aligns With Their Passions
There are an unlimited number of organizations to volunteer with that have a wide range of missions. When you are looking to find something your family is passionate about, look toward what they enjoy doing. If your family is big on pets, volunteer at an animal shelter, they are always looking for individuals to help walk dogs or clean. If they enjoy gardening, take them to a community garden to volunteer. If your family is looking for a one-day commitment, consider volunteering at a soup kitchen or distributing food to those in your community. Anytime someone volunteers, ensure to tell them they did a good job and encourage them to do it continuously.
- Let Them Engage At Their Own Pace
If some of the members of your family are shy around strangers or uncomfortable in new situations, give them time to prepare for the volunteer day. Have them research who they are helping and what they will be doing so they aren’t intimidated when the big day comes. If they need a bit more help trying something new, have them volunteer small by instead trying to raise money for an organization. They can help raise funds by talking to their friends and family before trying with strangers. This way they can practice their communication, thinking, and other skills.
- Have Fun
One of the best ways to make sure your kids enjoy volunteering is to make it enjoyable. Encourage them to invite their friends; that way they have someone they know, and you get more people involved. When you are volunteering with your kids, make sure your family is having fun. If they aren’t having a good time or smiling, then they aren’t going to want to return for another shift. You can also consider pairing up a half day of volunteering with a half day of doing something else they also enjoy. Take them out to the park or get them some ice cream as a treat. Ensure that the day goes smoothly and laugh with them if they make a mistake.