As parents, we often look for ways to instill important values in our children. Summer provides a perfect opportunity to teach kindness and the importance of giving back to the community. Here are some creative and meaningful activities that your children can engage in during the summer months to make a difference in the lives of others. These activities not only promote empathy and generosity but also foster a sense of responsibility and gratitude in our young ones.
Closet Cleanout & Clothing Donation
Encourage your children to go through their closets and toys piles to identify items they no longer use or need. Instead of letting these items gather dust, suggest they donate them to people in need. Take it a step further by involving your neighbors and asking them to do the same. By pooling the donated clothes together, your kids will witness the impact of collective generosity. This act of giving not only helps those who need the items, but also teaches your children the value of sharing and empathy. A family trip to a donation center for the drop-off is a plus!
A Little Free Library
Consider creating a Little Free Library in your community. These small wooden boxes of books allow for a “take a book, share a book” free book exchange. By setting up a Little Free Library in your neighborhood, you provide access to books for those who may not have easy access to them. Encourage your children to contribute their own books to the little library and watch as the love for reading and sharing spreads within the community. Adding games to the library can be beneficial as well.
Snacks for a Senior
What better way to check in on an elderly neighbor than to show up with a handmade bag of snacks and a sweet note. Encourage your child and a few of their friends to make sandwiches and maybe some cookies to share with a friend or neighbor who may not have many visitors or a local family. Writing a kind note is also a fun way to share and teach compassion.
Plant a Tree
Our children will be here long after we are gone so why not help them learn more about taking care of mother nature. Planting a tree is easy and is a great life lesson in watching something grow. Check out the National Wildlife Federation for programs that connect kids to nature.
