How Can Parents Encourage Children To Help Others?

When she was little, my sister was passionate about animals. She was so passionate that when she heard pandas were endangered, she promptly picked some bamboo leaves from our grandparents' backyard, packaged them up with some money she had saved in her piggy bank and mailed it to the World Wildlife Fund. If pandas were starving in China, my little sister was going to help feed them. 

This is the perfect example of a child's natural inclination to help others. While it occurs naturally in most children, parents can nurture and encourage this behavior so that their kids develop an awareness and a sensitivity to the needs of others. 

We are not alone in this world and we all need to learn how to get along with others. Maybe the first step is helping others in need?

How can we encourage our children to help others? It can start with a "random act of kindness." Your child watches as you help your elderly neighbor bring in her groceries. You and your kids make chili together for Eva's Village through or buy extra food when you are at Stop and Shop to donate to the food bank. 

Have you ever found yourself at the mercy of a kind stranger when you needed help? Nothing feels better than feeling cared for when you are vulnerable. Let your children see you help someone in need. Performed in daily life, "random acts of kindness" can become contagious.

Lately, there seems to be no lack of natural disasters in our world. Talk about these events with your kids. Is there something they can do to help? Their creative thinking and intuition may surprise you. 

Encourage your kids to do some charity work individually or as a family. Volunteering gives children a sense of accomplishment and pride in addition to appreciating the challenges other people face while helping someone in need.

Looking for volunteer opportunities for your kids? Check out these websites for some ideas:

Volunteer Match

Kids Care Clubs

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

Generation On

In addition to the organizations above, do not be afraid to call your favorite charity to see if they have any opportunities to get children involved.

Chatham and Madison Parents - How do you encourage your kids to help others?