Helping Others will Break Kids Away from the Screen

Heads are down wherever you look. People of all ages are letting life pass them by because they’re glued to their tablets, laptops, smartphones, gaming devices and now even their smartwatch. Children can certainly benefit by technology, but it is only their real life experiences that will shape them into well-rounded adults with a broad perspective.

Volunteering as a family is one way to expose your child to different experiences and it can also be a fun, bonding experience. Helping others together will build new skills, introduce you to a variety of different people, and it will feel good because you have given your time to something worthwhile.

When choosing a volunteer opportunity for your family, here are some considerations to make your experiences meaningful and fun:

Pick a cause that is important to your family: When donating your time, it’s important to be passionate about what you are doing. You could spend time at the library reading books to young children, visit seniors to provide companionship or organize a litter clean up on your street. If your family has a variety of interests, then rotate what you do.

Be clear about your expectations: If you are working with a specific organization, it’s okay to be selective with your time. Make sure you understand the commitments that you and your family are making, what is involved, and also explain what you are looking to get out of it. Having this discussion up front can avoid confusion and disappointment later on.

Talk with your child about what you learned: Family experiences like volunteering create chances to have interesting and engaging discussions. Ask questions like “What did you learn?” and “How can you help other people using what you learned?”

Share your experiences with others and encourage them to get involved: Create a ripple effect by encouraging other family members, friends and neighbors to volunteer about something important to them. You can be a shining example of civic engagement that others can follow.

“When children get a taste for how good it feels to give back, they don’t want to stop,” says Rickesh Lakhani, the Executive Director of Future Possibilities for Kids, an organization that encourages children and youth to become active citizens in their communities. “Volunteering can be fun, educational and a very unique way for families to spend time together.”

You might not be able to get rid of the screens (or you may not want to), but for a few hours a month, volunteering can create memories and experiences that will bring your family and your community closer together.

More information about getting involved in the community and about this organization in particular is available at www.fpcanada.org.

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