Volunteering is an impactful experience for kids and adults alike. We all know that it helps the community, but volunteering as a family has many other benefits.
Time Together
Family time is important, but it can be hard to find the time to get everyone together. Everybody has different interests, activities, and schedules. Fortunately, volunteering as a family can be a great thing to do together. Supporting a shared cause allows everybody to get away from other distractions, come together, and engage with one another. Working together strengthens the family bond.
Connecting with Each Other
There's something satisfying about working together. The talking, teamwork, and laughter will strengthen the relationships in your family. When the family works together, kids and parents get to see the skills that each person brings to the table. You'll gain a new appreciation for what everyone can do. You might even discover an interest or talent that you didn't know about before.
Developing Problem Solving Skills
When you volunteer, you're given the opportunity to connect with each other through critical thinking and problem-solving. Finding solutions to real problems can be very satisfying, especially when done together. Not only will you be challenging yourself, but also your team. But, that's what families are for — to work through things together!
Learning Social Skills
Volunteering helps people develop social skills and things like leadership and teamwork. When phones are away, you learn to talk to others and work together. Working towards a goal will also instill a good work ethic and build self-confidence.
Volunteering also takes the idea of teamwork and brings it to life. For many kids, it may only be a concept taught in school or on the sports field. But, when you work together volunteering, kids can see it applied to their own life, and understand the benefits of working as a team. This will encourage them to become more involved at home as well.
Learning Something New
Volunteering can provide you and your family some fun challenges. It's your chance to try something new, together. You may even learn a new skill that you may not have explored otherwise.
Learning the Value of Generosity
Volunteering is about doing something good for other people and causes. You'll learn how important it is to give back to your community. You'll see first-hand the difference you can make by giving your time and energy. It'll give you that warm, fuzzy feeling!
You'll also see how important it is to give your time to your family. You learn selflessness, responsibility, and gratitude when you do something for others. When you volunteer as a family, kids and adults will see the benefits of having compassion for one another.
Volunteering is also a great way to teach kids the value of giving, which will last them a lifetime. Seeing the needs of others first-hand, they'll gain a sense of empathy for those less fortunate. And, they'll gain a deeper appreciation for what they have.
Obtaining a Sense of Responsibility
When you volunteer, you learn what it means to make and keep a commitment. You learn how to be on time, how to be responsible for your actions and to be proud of the work you do.
Making Memories
Whenever you do something with your family, you're sure to make some memories. Volunteering is no exception. When you're trying new things and working together, you are sharing an experience that will create lasting memories.
Making the World a Better Place
When you get involved in your community, you become part of a larger family. You'll meet new people and form relationships as you work on improving the world around you. Not only will you appreciate your own family, but you'll also understand the importance of being a part of a community.
Meeting New People
The relationships that you make while volunteering can lead to new friendships. You are also given the opportunity to work with people of different backgrounds, abilities, ages, and experiences. You'll learn that a diverse group of people can all come together because you're connected by a common cause.
Feeling Happier
Volunteering can improve everyone's mental wellness. It lowers depression and anxiety. In teens, volunteering has been linked to better grades, reduced drug use, higher motivation, and improved self-esteem.
Volunteering to make things better in our communities helps us feel more hopeful about the future. Instead of feeling helpless about the negative things in life, you will see the good in people and have a better appreciation for the positive things.
So, Volunteer with Your Family!
Sometimes it's hard to fit family time into your busy schedules. Clearing some time to volunteer with your family not only gives you that time together, but it gives you a chance to make a difference in the lives of others. More and more families are looking to volunteering as a way to spend time together. Make it a family thing to get involved.
There are several ways to volunteer, and many are family-friendly. Almost all nonprofits need help, and most communities have programs that you can get involved in. It's also an inexpensive, if not free, way to engage the family. However you choose to volunteer, the experience will benefit your community and your family.