Visit or call a community center, library, school, church, or other local non-profit organization to participate in a charity event or fundraising activity. Some organizations may have special activities for children. Make sure to call ahead to find out if it’s the right fit. Try to find something that aligns with your child’s interests. If they like animals, see if there are opportunities at a local animal shelter. If they like to play games, a nursing home where volunteers entertain the elderly may be a great choice.
Sort through old toys and clothing with your child to determine what they no longer play with or wear. Then take your child with you to donate these items to a charity. This way they can see that things they no longer use are helping a child much like themselves and can feel the joys of giving. It might also help to put together baskets of food and toys for those that are less fortunate. [2] X Research source
Help your child run errands or perform household chores for elderly neighbors. If your child is young it can be something as simple as checking their mail. For older children they can take part in more intensive tasks like yard work. Suggest to your child that they help their friends in times of need; such as collecting their friends’ homework assignments from school when they are ill or helping them pack their belongings when they are moving to a new home. Teach them to recognize situations people need help in, such as when they feel they need help themselves, and to take measures to alleviate a burden.
Start a chore chart. This way a child can learn to do helpful tasks like taking out the trash or washing the dishes and slowly get rewarded in order to build up good behaviors. It is best if the rewards are gradual so they have to persistently help in order to build up good habits. [3] X Research source
Brainstorm with your child ideas for how they can be helpful. This can be giving a gift to a grandparent, or offering to help a sibling or friend. Reinforce this behavior with compliments and tell them how proud you are that they are helping others. [4] X Research source
Find articles on the Internet or in your local newspaper about community events in which people help others, then read and share these stories with your child. Too many stories about people performing inspiring acts can lower your child’s self-esteem. Make sure to praise your child’s good qualities while still emphasizing being helpful. Watch television specials or news programs about people who have performed generous or charitable acts to help others.
When your child volunteers or does community activities, make sure to join them. Also, when you’re around the house, use things you talk about or see on television as teaching moments.
Watch how your kids interact with others at school, sporting events, or even with their siblings. Encourage them to be kind and discourage any destructive or bullying behaviors.
Teach your kid to be friendly with people they see every day that aren’t their friends or family. This can be a teacher, a bus driver, or employees you see at restaurants and stores. Also encourage your children to understand the struggles of people around the world by showing them newspaper and television stories.
Teach your kids to calm down when they feel badly. Ask them to stop, take a deep breath and count to five. Every time they get upset, remind them to undergo this process again. This will help them have the tools to be conscious of other people’s feelings, even when they are upset.
