7 Reasons Volunteering Is Good for Children
Source:https://www.parents.com/
Teaching children to give back through volunteering is crucial for instilling a sense of responsibility and community. Despite its importance, only about 25% of Americans volunteer annually, with participation peaking during the holiday season. However, volunteering can be a regular family activity, offering numerous benefits beyond helping others. Engaging in volunteer work can enhance children’s social and emotional well-being, making it a valuable addition to family routines.
Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits of volunteering for children:
It builds connections: Volunteering helps children connect with diverse individuals while working towards a common goal, fostering important social skills. Kelley Kitley, LCSW, emphasizes that this experience encourages kids to collaborate and focus on serving others rather than themselves. Such interactions not only break down barriers but also teach valuable life skills in teamwork and community engagement.
It boosts empathy: Volunteering exposes children to the realities faced by others, helping them develop empathy and compassion. By serving meals or providing gifts to those in need, kids gain insight into different circumstances and struggles, fostering a sense of humility and understanding for the challenges faced by their community.
It encourages kids to find purpose: Volunteering helps children and adults discover a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It encourages kids to step outside themselves, fostering leadership skills and positively impacting their self-identity.
It can help them in school: Volunteering positively impacts academic performance, with research indicating that students who volunteer achieve higher grades and lower dropout rates. Additionally, recent studies show that volunteering enhances students’ understanding of course concepts.
It’s good for their mental health: Volunteering can inspire gratitude and positive feelings, helping children cope with stress. While it’s not a solution for mental health challenges, it can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by fostering social connections and support systems. Participating in volunteer work encourages a sense of purpose and discourages negative feelings.
It may improve well-being: Volunteering, whether through time or donations, can significantly boost happiness and well-being in children. Research from 2020 indicates that volunteers tend to be happier than non-volunteers. Additionally, helping others fosters a sense of accomplishment, enhancing self-esteem and pride.
It can improve physical health: Along with boosting mental health, volunteering can also improve physical health. Studies have found a connection between those who volunteer and a reduced mortality rate.6 Volunteering promotes more body movement and this in turn can contribute to lower blood pressure.
How To Get Kids To Volunteer
To encourage kids to volunteer, parents should lead by example and regularly participate in community service. Making volunteering a family activity can enhance the experience—select a cause everyone is passionate about, whether it’s addressing food insecurity or environmental protection. Families can find various local and national volunteering opportunities through online resources, schools, or community centers. It’s never too early to start; even young children can contribute by helping with simple tasks like collecting nonperishable food items. Teaching the value of volunteering benefits children both now and in the future.
Read More: https://childreninfobank.com/safebank/7-reasons-volunteering-is-good-for-children/
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