Anyone who’s been around
toddlers will recall their adorable and heartwarming impulse to put their toys
in your hands. Or, during feeding time, when they’re learning to use utensils,
the common situation of a child feeding a parent. Generally, impulses for
selfishness do not come until preschool, where they can quite quickly reach
epic proportions. But it’s never too late (see Scrooge) to introduce a person
to the satisfactions of giving, of your time, your stuff, and your efforts.
According to Kaitlin Lowe at Parents.com, “No child is too young to volunteer. In fact, during
the toddler and preschool years, being a helper shapes a child’s developing
sense of morality.” She offers three individual lists of suggestions for ways
you can encourage and help broaden and deepen your child’s innate altruism.
Before you begin, it’s
advisable to pick an activity that suits your child’s unique personality:
For ages two to four, Lowe
suggests picking a wildflower bouquet “for a friend, a family member, or a
neighbor who could use cheering up.” Also, “pick nonperishables from your
cabinets together and pack a box for your local food bank.“
In our house, we started
volunteering for local charities with our son not long after we moved to the
area. Our boy was four. We sang at retirement communities and took canned goods to the food bank,
or to the drop-off at the supermarket. Our son and his friends trick-or-treated
for UNICEF, too.
READ MORE: 5 ways to support your community
For ages five to seven, Lowe
advises looking into locks of love, which several of my son’s peers did. Lowe
explains: “Before a big haircut, ask your child if she’d like to donate
to Locks of Love an organization that makes free wigs for people who have
lost their hair due to an illness. She’ll need at least 10 inches of extra
length secured in a ponytail holder and a donation form.”
Among other things, Lowe also
advises looking into KidsCanGiveToo.com , which facilitates young people giving
to a favorite charity.
For
ages 8 and up, Lowe suggests visiting
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s website to learn about endangered species in NY. Your
child can choose an animal to draw, and can write congressional leaders, asking
them to please support conservation policies that protect this species.
Political rallies can be
excellent teaching moments, too, and an opportunity for your child to see many
elements of a functioning democracy in action, like freedom of speech, freedom
of assembly, and protest. “Discuss why a cause is worth your advocacy,” Lowe
advises, “then make a sign and attend the event together.”
Other articles by HVP News Reporters