How do we keep those little ones busy and learning this summer? Keeping them involved in giving can restore so much of the balance that gets out of whack during a time when materialism is so often the focus with vacation trips, amusement parks, shopping and eating out. Creating a culture of giving and service with your kids can be one of the most valuable lessons they can learn and the greatest gift you can give them! There are many great opportunities for community service for kids that will expand their social circle, teach them empathy and compassion and increase their chances of success in life.
Need some help coming up with ideas? Consider these:
- Have a “trying on” party and clean out dresser drawers and donate clothing that they have outgrown to a local shelter. Play dance music to make it fun!
- Take the kids to a local nursing home and hug a resident. It makes their day to see the little ones
- Bake cookies and deliver them to a fire or police station as an appreciation
- Go to a local park or community area and pick up trash
- Write a letter to a soldier and thank him for his sacrifices
- Go through your pantry and pick out canned goods to take to a local food pantry
- Commission your kids to help you babysit for a single mom
- Make baby care packages for the pregnancy center
- Do yard work for an elderly neighbor
- While out running errands with the kids, say thank you to the grocery clerks, waitresses, counter clerks, etc. Random acts of kindness
- Deliver and plant some flowers to brighten someone’s day
- Collect good/clean stuffed animals and dolls from friends and deliver to pediatric hospital
- Offer to walk a dog or wash a car for a neighbor
- Help weed in a community garden
- Prepare sack lunches and deliver them to the homeless in your community
Everyone has something to offer or share with others, even children. Always consider your child’s passions, talents and gifting’s when picking your projects. Your kids will return to school telling all their teachers and classmates what an awesome summer they had giving back to others!
author: Jill Aubin, Meet The Need Ministries
