Young and old children alike (people for that matter) want and need to feel valued, important, and appreciated. Contributing to something connected to the world outside of us - doing something to make a difference - is a key piece to building a powerful, positive sense of self.
Volunteerism is one of the most powerful ways to empower people (both the volunteers and the recipients). This is especially important right now, because so much has been out of our control while living in a global pandemic.
Contributing lays a foundation for teaching kids that they can, and do, make a difference. From completing simple tasks at home to pitching in for large scale community projects, this builds an internal locus of control.
Kids and adults who have an internal locus of control believe that they can impact the world around them, as opposed to feeling powerless to outside forces. Leaders, change makers, innovators all have this - and they wouldn’t feel empowered to do what they do without it.
Right now, very young children may not have had a lot of experience outside their families or small communities. Even those regularly in school or accompanying parents on errands or outings have not had many opportunities to see large scale community events due to caps and limits on public gatherings.
Children may have a lesser understanding of “community” or “global citizenship” than they may have normally had. Parents of toddlers especially in 2021 have expressed concern about their children’s social development after almost two years of limited interaction with the outside world - the span of some children’s lives thus far.
Volunteerism may involve getting out of your and/or your kid’s comfort zone. Patience and practice, with love and acceptance, will be powerful allies. If volunteering this year sounds like the right move for you and your kids we’ve got some empowerment tips to help you get out there:
- Before trying out anything new, front load yourself and your kids with information about what to expect and what you hope to gain from it. When emotions and reactions come up, talk about them openly and honestly, and leave space in the conversation to hear your child talk about what’s really weighing on their mind and heart (it’s often notl what we expect).
- If you feel more comfortable with outdoor volunteer opportunities, there are lots of ways to dress and plan ahead for winter weather so you can stay comfortable. Did you know that pulling the bottom cuff of rain or snow pants outside and around the tops of kids’ boots keeps feet dryer and warmer? And don’t just bring extra clothes and snacks for kids - pack enough for you too!
- If you prefer to stay home, bring the work to you and talk about it with your kids while doing it. Simply having conversations with children about what you’re doing and why teaches them a lot about community and how they are making a difference.
