Everyone knows that volunteering is a great way to improve the community while also helping your mental health. Sadly, volunteer events can fall to the bottom of your to-do list amid the hustle and bustle of life. Especially with kids going back to school, family time can get interrupted by projects and after school activities. Despite how busy life can be, it is incredibly important to still find time to volunteer as a family. Here are the top 6 reasons why family volunteering should be near the top of your to-do list.
Family time
The obvious reason is that you can spend some quality family time together while also making a difference! At events like The Gathering Place, families can spend time together while making pancakes and serving breakfast. It is a great way to get out in the community and spend time with your kids.
No screens!
Like a lot of kids, maybe your kids are glued to their phones and tablets all day. Volunteering is a great way to get them out of the house, away from the TV, and into the real world. Spend an afternoon in the sun at Ekar Farm to teach them that there is a whole other world besides the one on their phone. Volunteer events give kids a safe place to explore and learn new things.
Gratitude
Giving up their afternoon at a food bank or A Precious Child can teach your kids to be grateful for what they have. Instead of throwing fits about not getting a new iPod, they could see how lucky they are. Volunteering to help families in need can also teach kids to have empathy for others.
Learn new skills
Most of us don’t do a whole lot of farming or cooking for large groups in our day to day life. Volunteer events can provide the opportunity for kids to learn new skills. At outdoor events like The Butterfly Pavilion, kids can learn all about gardening while contributing to a good cause.
Build self-worth
When kids volunteer in the community, they are making a big impact. By volunteering as a family, you can help kids build self-worth. They are able to see that what they do matters and learn that they have the power to make a difference for someone else. This can inspire kids to do even more kind things and to be nicer to others.
Learn about kindness
There is an age-old saying that claims “kids can be cruel.” But kids don’t have to be cruel to one another. By volunteering together, you can teaching your kids about kindfulness. This can lead them to be nicer to others at school, be more inclusive, and be less tolerant of bullying behaviors. The first step is to get out there and volunteer as a family!
Click Here to sign up for your next volunteer event. We’ll see you out there!