Learning The Joy Of Volunteering

by Jo

For many months, the kids and I have been discussing volunteering. Personally, I feel that my children need to learn to be less self-absorbed. They’re good kids but can be a little selfish at times. To me, volunteering is the perfect way for them to learn, build self esteem, and find the joy you get from helping others.

We had discussed several places already and came up with some good ideas, but nothing that really “clicked” for them. I wanted them to do things that are not only meaningful but they will also stick with. To our joy, about a month ago two opportunities literally fell into our laps. The library is taking applications for Teen Volunteers for the summer so my oldest filled one out. If he is chosen then he can put his love of books to good use for them. The second opportunity came thanks to a friend of ours who works for the local Wildlife Rescue.

The Wildlife Rescue takes mostly teen and adult volunteers, but my preteen is allowed with an adult who will take responsibility for her. Thankfully our friend said the preteen can volunteer during her shifts and she will keep an eye out for her. I don’t think I have ever seen my daughter happier.

So both kids have started volunteering twice a week. They do everything from cleaning cages, changing mats, making food, feeding the non-endangered animals…lots of “grunt” work which I think will be good for them both. They both love it and have decided that they want to be rehabilitators one day. It’s so nice to see my children actually into something that helps others. This just fits my kids perfectly. They are learning responsibility, kindness, and heck they are even getting a good Science lesson each time as well! You can’t beat that!

I hope this is something my kids will be doing for a long time to come. As for me, I’m still looking for something I can do with a rampaging three-year-old attached to my hand. Any suggestions?

Jo is the thirty-something homeschooling mother of three miracles (15, 11, and 3) as well as a wife, poet, freelance writer, and MEN2a advocate living with cancer.

Comments

[coach sale]

Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

[Jo]

I didn't even think about the fact that helping clean up parks is part of volunteering. I guess the little guy does get to help out after all. Thank you Laura for mentioning that. :)

Kelly- I know what you mean, volunteering was on our list for much too long as well. Now that the kids have started though I don't see them stopping anytime soon.

[Laura]

We take our three year old to the quarterly "clean sweeps" at our local park/playground. His help in cleaning is negligible, but he likes playing with a little broom and he definitely understands that if we want a nice, clean playground he needs to help keep it up!

[kelly]

Volunteering is something that's been on our family to-do list for much too long now. Thanks for the reminder.