The holiday season is full of traditions and celebrations, but it’s also a perfect time to introduce the magic of giving and volunteering as a family. Regardless of the holidays you celebrate, universal acts of kindness unite families in the spirit of generosity this season. 

This time of year is full of community events and volunteer opportunities that your family can get involved in, from local toy drives to food banks and charity events. Let’s look at the impact of engaging kids in acts of kindness, how to prepare to give back to your community, age-appropriate ways to involve children, and how to keep the spirit of giving alive all year round. 

Engaging Kids in Family Acts of Kindness

Supporting others helps children build empathy and compassion for the rest of their lives. These opportunities develop their sense of responsibility, introduce them to the power of community and foster a lifelong commitment to giving back. 

These family volunteer activities also support you as a parent, helping you strengthen your relationship with your children through service to others. You’ll have opportunities to teach valuable life lessons and build a sense of belonging within your community. Giving back makes a difference in the lives of others but also deepens the connections with your own family.

Planning and Preparing for Family Volunteering

Engaging your family in acts of kindness can come with its own set of considerations. How do you find the right volunteer opportunities? How do you ensure the safety of your children? How can you prepare your little ones for the experience ahead? Thinking ahead will create an environment where acts of kindness become a cherished part of your family’s identity. Here’s how you can prepare: 

1. Set realistic expectations: Recognize that volunteering with young children may require flexibility and planning. 
2. Identify suitable opportunities: Research and choose volunteer activities that align with your family’s values.
3. Consider your children’s safety: Ensure a safe environment and follow necessary precautions when involving young kids in family volunteering activities.
4. Talk to your children about the experience: Discussing the purpose and what to expect beforehand will help your kids get excited about the opportunity.

Age-Appropriate Ways to Involve Young Children

As you marvel at your child’s development from infancy to toddlerhood, you’ll notice their curiosity and eagerness to engage with the world. Giving back at an early age will plant the seeds for generosity throughout their life. Here are some practical ways to engage your little ones in acts of kindness, keeping their age and developmental stage in mind: 

• Infants (0-12 months): Focus on the power of modelling kindness. Infants are like sponges, absorbing everything around them. Be the kind and loving role model they need. Encourage gentle interactions when your baby meets new friends and even pets. 

• Toddlers (1-3 years): Teach the simple act of sharing by encouraging your toddler to not hog toys, snacks or even time. At this age, you can also find simple volunteer opportunities your toddler can participate in, like visiting a senior centre to spread some joy. 

• Preschoolers (3-5 years): Get creative with your preschooler by making holiday cards or small crafts to donate to those in need. Attend local community events that involve giving back, like charity walks or park clean-ups.

• Young school-age children (6-8 years): Engage your children in family volunteering at local non-profits or animal shelters. Have a lot of old toys or clothes around the house? Work with them on a closet cleanout or even a charity drive to collect pre-loved items for children who need them. 

Nurturing a Culture of Giving All Year Round

Acts of kindness don’t need to be bound to a specific event or holiday. In a perfect world, they can be a part of your family’s everyday life. Use these opportunities to open the door for conversation about kindness throughout your child’s life and build a culture of gratitude within your household. Below are some ways to encourage the holiday spirit of supporting others year-round: 

• Discuss the importance of kindness and giving in age-appropriate conversations around the dinner table. 
• Recognize and celebrate acts of kindness within your family unit to reinforce positive behaviour. 
• Encourage open communication about volunteering experiences to get feedback on how your children feel by participating. 
• Ask children to share their gratitude for things in their lives.
• Write thank you notes or kind gestures to those who support your kids.

Key Insights

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, or any other holiday, the spirit of community involvement is universal and yours to embrace. Using this time of giving to engage your family in acts of kindness can help shape a generous future for your children and make a positive impact in the world.