You're Never Too Young to Give Back: Getting Kids to Volunteer

Even Kindergartners Can Experience the Good Feeling of Helping Others

Inspiring your little ones to give back to the community can take a little negotiation, but the result is well worth it. Volunteering teaches kids ownership and can boost confidence. And it's a great way to spend family time.

First and foremost, ask your kids where their interests lie. Little ones as young as four and five years old may surprise you with their suggestions. Encouraging them to contribute to the conversation gives them a sense of pride and belonging.

Generate a list of potential volunteer opportunities and then narrow them down as a family. If you're stuck on where to give back, here are a few suggestions:

·     Toy and clothing drive. This volunteer opportunity lets you and your neighbors get rid of some clutter while a child in need gets a gently used toy or item of clothing. It may take a little convincing to get your kids to give up their things, so start by asking them to part with just one item they don't use any more.

·     Foodbank or soup kitchen. Gather canned and boxed food from neighbors for your local food bank, or volunteer to serve a meal at a nearby soup kitchen or church. Both activities are great ways for your family to get out and meet new people while volunteering.

·     Senior citizen center. Who doesn't love playing a board game? Older children can put their Monopoly or chess skills to work. They may even learn a trick or two from the older adults.

·     Library. Teens can volunteer to tutor or read books to younger children. This is a great confidence builder and helps foster something every child could use a bit more of, Patience.

·     Community garden. In spring and summer, this is a fantastic way to get kids off the couch and outside. It's a task that even little ones can participate in. As a bonus, they have an excuse to get their hands dirty.

·     Organize something at school. Stewardship doesn't just have to be in the home. Encourage your child to get the whole class or even the whole school involved in giving back. Activities like a coat drive, mitten tree or even a penny drive for a local charity are simple, effective ways kids can contribute as a part of a larger group.

As youth mature into their teens, so does their interest in volunteerism. Many of the nation’s volunteers are young people. More than half (55 percent) of teenagers in the United States report that they participate in volunteer activities; the teen volunteering rate is nearly twice the adult volunteering rate with 1.3 billion hours of community service each year. Most youth volunteers do so out of selflessness and an interest in making a difference in the lives of others. Only five percent of students reportedly volunteered because of a school requirement.

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, youth who volunteer are more likely to feel connected to their communities, do better in school, and are less likely to engage in risky behavior. Empowerment helps youth believe they can make a difference, in addition to an increase in self-worth, identity, moral and ethical values. Volunteering promotes citizenship as youth obtain increased community awareness. Academic skills improve with youth recognizing an increased relevance of subject, developing critical thinking skills. In addition, youth develop more positive work orientation attitudes and skills are 19 percent more likely to graduate from college than those who did not.

Remember, kids, learn by example. If you want them to be good citizens, be one yourself.