A common complaint most parents have is that their children do not engage in more meaningful activities. Many children would rather play the latest Nintendo game or challenge their friends to games on their Wiis. Children often spend too much time watching television instead of engaging in physical activities.

As parents we want our children to experience all that life has to offer and for them to become productive members of our society. One of the best ways we can accomplish this is to get our children involved in our community. The experiences they gain will not only teach them about the world around them but it will also help our children to learn compassion and good will towards others.

There are many ways you can get your family actively involved in the community:

1. Have your child volunteer their time at your local library. Many libraries have a need for student volunteers. The volunteers help to read stories to the younger children and help out at library events. Most libraries have sign in sheets to keep track of student volunteer service hours. Children can volunteer at some libraries as early as sixth grade.

2. Volunteer at your local animal shelter. You’ll have to check with the shelter about age requirements. Volunteers help to walk the dogs and socialize the dogs and cats so that they are suitable for adoption. Shelter employees will make sure that young volunteers are not put in harms way or have them work with dangerous animals. Your child can also help with fundraising efforts by collecting blankets, food and other supplies the shelter needs.

3. Have your child gather up unused toys, books and clothing and donate it to a local charity. Places such as homeless shelters, children’s homes and battered women’s shelters are always in great need for such donations. By doing this it will enlighten your child to the plight of people who find themselves in dire circumstances and to help them gain compassion for those less fortunate then themselves. Remind your child how happy they will make another child by donating their toys to a child who might no otherwise have any toys to call their own.

4. As a family collect non-perishable foods and donate them to a local food bank. During these hard times more and more people are finding it harder to cover their basic needs, including food. Together, as a family, collect a few extra cans of non-perishable foods each time you go food shopping and drop them off at a local food bank. This is another great way to teach your child to have compassion for others.

5. Have your family get involved in a charitable activity, such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) “Walk for a Cure” or the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life”. It is a great way to help raise money and awareness for a good cause. Walks and relays are also a great form of exercise.

Stay tuned for Part 2, which will offer five more suggestions for getting your family involved in the community!

Photo by Kimberly Vetrano

Kimberly Vetrano is a mother, wife, business owner, freelance writer and photographer, and a mini-zoo keeper. Her business site is www.Everyday-Occasions.com, and she can be found blogging at www.SheScribes.com.