We want to raise our children to be sympathetic, empathetic and energetic when it comes to helping others. So what better way to help cultivate caring kids than by teaching them to volunteer? These days, there is a huge emphasis on giving back to those are in need. Thanks to technology, there are Web sites out there specifically geared toward getting children to volunteer. {relatedarticles}These sites can be used as a resource for learning what opportunities are available. Volunteering is also a great way for you and your child to bond. When your son or daughter sees you getting involved in volunteer work, he or she will likely be enthusiastic about following suit. The first step is finding a volunteer opportunity that will be interesting to your child. It should also be relevant to your child's age. Also consider the location (is it close?), the frequency (how often will you be expected to participate?) and the duration (how long will you be expected to be there?).
While some opportunities might be too much for your child depending on their age, others might be perfect. Of course, most volunteer opportunities geared toward children will usually take all of these things into account so that the experience will be as rewarding as possible for children. There's something for everybody - whether it's participating in walkathons, organizing canned goods at a food bank or picking up trash on the beach. {relatedarticles}The ways for your children to give back are countless. If you have a hectic schedule and feel you don't have the time to commit to a cause, remember charity begins at home. Maybe you have an elderly neighbor who needs help taking out the trash or a family who needs someone to feed their animals while they're on vacation. Get your child to lend a helping hand. Of course, you too can participate to keep an eye on your little one. It won't be long before your child learns it's better to give than receive.