It’s never too early to teach our kids the important values of charity, empathy, and giving back. While charity does begin at home, we as parents must inculcate in our children the need to reach out and apply acts of kindness to our communities.
One way is to teach them to take care of the environment. Serving the Earth of course doesn’t necessarily mean taking our kids on an elaborate camping adventure; environmental awareness and respect can begin with asking them to pick up litter in around the neighborhood, helping you remove weed in the backyard, or making a feeder for birds.
Image source: slate.com
It goes without saying that as parents we should have our kids start in our immediate surroundings. Global charities can wait; kids would appreciate hands-on acts of charity better. Examples are shoveling snow or running an errand for a sick neighbor.
Empower children by giving them a chance to vote. Sit with them and ask which causes they are most interested in, while discussing what skills and resources you and your kids have to forward such causes. Donating food and blankets to the shelter, old toys to other needy children, or books to the local public school and library are some immediate endeavors with big impact.
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Edgar Gonzalez is a supporter of different causes for the welfare of Mexican immigrants in Anaheim and the rest of Orange County, California. For more on Mr. Gonzalez’ work and interests, visit this website.
