Hot Topics     Home and Family    

Never too young to volunteer



Take advantage of children’s desire to help

Take advantage of childrens desire to help


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


  • Get Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs

    Third Annual Orange County District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby

    The Third District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby will run from April 1 through Sept. 4, 2023. The event is open to young people between the ages of 4 and 18 who are children or grandchildren of Orange County residents. read more »
  • Kids aren't eating fruits and veggies

    Happiest Baby's Dr. Harvey Karp has tips to change that

    A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that approximately 32% of 1- to 5-year-olds did not eat a single piece of fruit a day and nearly one half (~49%) didn't eat any vegetables a day. Roughly 51% drank a sugar-sweetened beverage, like fruit drinks or soda, at least once a week. read more »
  • 5 sleep habits essential for heart health

    Make sure you get your zzz's with these tips

    In the days following a time change due to daylight saving time, research shows a marked increase in heart attacks and strokes. However, losing sleep anytime can be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. read more »
  • Take these 6 steps to manage your blood pressure

    Hypertension can be dangerous

    High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects nearly half of adults in the United States, and only about 1 in 4 with this condition have it under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). read more »
  • Make your St. Patrick's Day spread green with envy

    These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or an appetizer

    Freshen up your St. Patrick’s Day menu with easy, light sandwiches inspired by the traditional color of the festivities. These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or even as an appetizer for get-togethers with friends and family. read more »
  • Lucky mint brownie perfection

    A twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate

    How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.” This dessert might just be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this year. read more »
  • 3 ways parents can encourage social emotional learning in children

    Parents focus on social emotional skills, mental health, kindness and understanding differences

    Most parents would agree the quality of their children’s education plays a key role in their overall development. While parents are optimistic about the future of education, they also recognize children have educational needs beyond what is considered the standard. read more »
  • Selecting a health care provider

    Resources to guide your selection

    Getting health care for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility, especially if you’re just getting started with Medicare or have changes in your life, such as a new diagnosis of a condition or disease. It can be overwhelming if you need services like nursing home care, have to find a new doctor or get home health care. read more »
  • 5 simple solutions for proper nasal hygiene

    Keep your nasal passages clean, clear and moisturized

    Your nose is essential for conditioning the air you breathe and serves as the first line of defense against dust, pollution, bacteria, viruses and more. The presence of these substances in your nasal passages can trigger infections, disease and illness. read more »
  • Have a bump on your foot?

    Don’t ignore it

    Have a lump or bump on your foot? Whether it’s painful or not, it could potentially signal a serious condition. Foot and ankle surgeons warn it’s important to have it checked out, no matter its size or location on your foot. read more »