GIVING ENCOURAGE YOUR KIDS TO CHIP IN

WRITER: DR. JEFFREY GLOVER

Apriority in parents’ lives should be teaching their children others may not be as fortunate as they are, and they are able to successfully contribute to their community in a positive way. That will help them now and also years later as they transition from school age to adulthood. Your child can learn about charity without having to spend a penny.

HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS TO HELP YOU GET STARTED: ds d t -

1) DONATE CLOTHES AND TOYS: Have your children go through their closets and toy boxes to find things they may have outgrown or haven’t played with in a while. Help them collect the items in a box and take them with you when you drop items off at charities such as a local church, woman’s center or Salvation Army.

2) HELP NEIGHBORS: Encourage your children to look around to see if there may be a neighbor in need. They could rake leaves or pull weeds for an elderly neighbor or brighten a neighbor’s day with freshly baked cookies.

3) VISIT AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY: Your kids could make homemade holiday cards and pass them out to residents. Have your children bring their favorite game, a pack of cards or a book to make them more comfortable as they interact with residents.

4) LIFE IS SHORT: Does your church have a soup kitchen or a food bank? Encourage your children to volunteer. They can assist with cleaning the church (vacuuming, dusting, etc.) or mowing the grass or trimming bushes.

TEENS WHO VOLUNTEER ARE:

• Less likely to use drugs or become pregnant.

• More likely to have positive academic, psychological and occupational well-being.

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• More likel st s ronger le

• More likely to have stronger leadership skills.

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• More likely to develop a respect for others.

• More likel have a stro and contin to the com

• More likely as adults to have a strong work ethic and continue giving back to the community.