Teaching Kids to Give Back
In addition to learning foundational skills like reading, writing, math, and science, it’s also important for kids to learn character-building skills such as empathy, leadership, and giving back. A lot of this naturally comes along with their day-to-day interactions in school, but now that many districts have shifted to remote learning or have social distancing practices in place, it makes learning at home even more important.
There are many ways that parents can instill the importance of giving back and helping others in their children.
Be a positive role model. Your kids are always watching what you do and learning from the example you set. Demonstrate in your own interactions how you support others and give to the greater good. This could be by donating to charity and explaining to your kids why it’s important to you, and how it helps those in need. It could be by holding the door for someone else, mowing the neighbor’s lawn, or always saying thank you.
Don’t always seek something in return. A lot of kids want to know what they get in return for doing a good deed. Remind them that it isn’t always about them. They get to take pride in knowing they did what was right and helped someone else. Encourage them to share their ideas with their group in class, but not worry about who gets the credit for the idea. In the end, they all win because they’re doing their best on the assignment and working together.
Donate. With COVID-19 precautions still in place, it’s a little harder to volunteer (unless it’s something you can do remotely), but donating is still a great option. Help your child go through their toys and clothes and make a pile of things they no longer need. Drop them off to a local organization so they can see that others will benefit. Have them save part of their allowance to go toward a charity they are passionate about. If they’re in school, consider buying some extra hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, or pencils that they can donate to their classroom. They can see for themselves how other students benefit.
Write thank you notes. Sit down with your child to come up with a list of people they want to thank. It could be for anything from being a good friend to keeping them safe. Maybe they want to write a note to the cashier at the grocery store, the doctors and nurses at the hospital, the custodian at the school, the mail person, or their next-door neighbor. Showing gratitude is a simple way to brighten someone’s day and make them feel appreciated.
Do some research. Pick some influential individuals and have your child do some research to see how their contributions have made a difference. A few possibilities could be Nelson Mandela, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, Helen Keller, or Rosa Parks. They have all made a difference in society and could inspire your child to give back in their own way.
We can learn a lot from history, and it can be a great starting point for talking to your kids. Crafting Scholars can help them to learn the facts, and you can help them use those facts to have informed discussions and be a part of changing the future. Empower your child to thrive academically through tutoring and academic support at Crafting Scholars. Contact us today to learn more!
