In today’s world, yes we have over-scheduled children. Our family calendars are packed with so many extra-curricular and enrichment activities, it’s a wonder that our kids have time to eat, sleep and finish homework. And while kids are so busy, they (and we) are increasingly disconnected from each other a family while we are drawn to devices and screens.
Parents are searching for ways to reconnect, to keep kids grounded and grateful and to fight against the rising feel of negativity and cynicism. I believe that family service is the answer: a proven way to achieve these goals for your own family while improving the lives of others in your community.
Volunteering together helps parents raise compassionate, empathetic kids with the added bonus of creating warm family memories. But how can you find the time, in the midst of all the other commitments crowding a busy family’s schedule?
There’s no question that there are many benefits to volunteering with kids and that it is worth the time and effort it often takes to do so. Inevitably, though, saying “yes” to service means saying “no” to something else. It will require a little bit of planning, some creativity, an open mind and most importantly, a sense of purpose.
1. Let the school calendar, holidays and seasons help you create new family traditions around service.
At the end of each month, take a few moments to identify upcoming holidays, days off from school and family milestone celebrations when you might volunteer together.
2. Incorporate Volunteer service into Things Your Family is Already Doing.
If your child is hosting a playdate with a few friends, add a kindness activity to the afternoon of fun. Kids can bake cookies and create cheerful cards to deliver to your local fire station, police precinct or nursing home.
When planning your child’s birthday party or other milestone event, ask them to select a charity they’d like to support with their celebration and incorporate a donation drive or related hands-on service project, or ask for donations in lieu of gifts.
3. Practice Random Acts of Kindness Throughout Your Day
Every day presents countless opportunities to practice kindness with kids. As you head to the market, offer to pick up groceries for a homebound neighbor. Bring a hot cup of coffee to the crossing guard on a cold day (or a cold drink during a heat wave). Pick up trash as you walk around your neighborhood. Hold the door and smile at the next person coming through the entrance. Allow your kids to leave a few coins in the tip jar at the coffee shop.
Your one small, simple act might have a ripple effect in changing a person’s day and the gratitude your child receives will make them feel great, too.
Finding time for family service allows you to live your values while spreading compassion and joy in a world that is in desperate need of both. Children feel pride in serving and reap the benefits of flexing their empathy “muscles.” There is no magic formula—parents simply need to keep an open heart, an observant eye and a positive intention.
Every day and in every busy schedule, there’s always time to do good.
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