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Parents want kids to do good in the world.
As parents we want to teach our kids the skills they need to make great things happen! No matter what they grow up to be, the tools they will learn by getting involved in the community around them can only help them succeed. Even better, the self-esteem children build in themselves when they make a positive impact can not be denied.
Kids can help even as toddlers!
With specific suggestions for each age from toddlers to teens, Dr. G and Pittsburgh Today Live host Kristine Sorensen discuss how kids can make great change in the world. Through donating money, belongings, time and passion we effect change in our kids’ lives as well.
Solve future problems now.
When kids volunteer they learn respect for others, to take responsibility for solving a small part of a social problem, and resilience when difficult things happen. It is much easier to talk to kids about how much they have when they get to meet people who have less stuff and more struggle. All of these experiences teach kids how strong they are, and really help avoid entitlement later!
12 thoughts on “Teach Kids to Do Good”
My husband and I were JUST (as in, about 15 minutes ago) talking about this. MLK Day is a day of service for many people and I was saying I would like to do that with our children who are 5, 3, and 1. Your guide will be a great resource to find age-appropriate service activities for them to do. Thanks!
I’m so glad it was timely for you Lauren! Did you succeed in downloading the guide? I hope you also found the other free resources, and thanks for joining the community!
The hardest thing about ensuring that your kids help others is to make time to help others ourselves. Kids learn by doing and leading by example is key. I like the part about communicating to your kids what you are doing. Great interview!
You are absolutely right, Andrea, and I need the reminder as much as anyone! Thank you.
This is such a wonderful resource, thank you! I have just started a Pinterest board on getting kids involved as well. Pinning this!
Rachel,
Thanks so much! Will you share your pinterest board link? I have a Pinterest board Teach Kids to Pay it Forward!
Here you go, I will check yours out too!
http://www.pinterest.com/oogiah/tikkun-olam/
Thanks!
I actually watched this the other day and appreciated all of the ideas to get kids involved! My toddlers love “helping” and the idea of service would definitely appeal to them (even if they don’t realize it yet.) You’re right on with partnering with senior centers. We always plan a little extra time when visiting my grandma as all of the residents’ faces light up at the sight of smiling toddler twins. 🙂
Wow, twins! I bet they talk about those little ones for days. Way to go turning a good deed (hanging out with grandma) into a dozen chances to make the world a better place!
I’m so glad you shared this. We are always talking to our kids about doing good in the world and helping others from the time they can communicate. Happy to be part of your SITS Tribe.
Thank you so much!
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