Enrich a Life: Volunteer

                                                                                                                    Jan Udlock

Sandra smiled when she heard her 10-year old daughter say, “Mom, that man said I did a good job serving the pancakes.” Sandra replied, “Yes, you did. You gave him a smile, too.”

As parents, when you volunteer, not only are you receiving a variety of benefits ranging from health benefits to psychological benefits, but you are helping out another individual and modeling positive behavior for your children. “Numerous studies done over the past twenty to thirty years indicate that volunteering on a regular basis (just one to two hours a week) results in real health benefits for the one giving,” says Gail Johnston, author of The Social Cause Diet: Find A Service That Feeds Your Soul.

Benefits are Numerous
Parents often volunteer at their child’s school. They are asked to help out in their child’s classroom in a variety of ways ranging from cutting out paper shapes to heading the newest fundraiser.  Moms and dads help the teacher by reading with kids, supervising the playground, organizing parties, chaperoning at field trips, and other tasks to help the teachers. Volunteering can result in lower rates of depression to longer lifespans according to Johnston.

Moms and dads often volunteer as sports coaches for their child’s teams. This volunteer position can include long hours and times of frustration, but gives you special one-on-one time with your child. This investment of time builds relationship with your child and creates long-lasting memories.

Sue Finnigan, mom of six children, remembers one night at a Muscular Dystrophy Camp where she volunteers. "Young adult campers in wheelchairs and volunteers performed Karaoke. “That evening provided a time for them to be able to sing their hearts out and feel 'normal' for a time. One young man told me he 'never wanted this evening to end,'" shares Finnigan.

“There are subtle benefits to volunteering such as an attitude adjustment when you experience the magnitude of someone else’s needs in comparison to your own,” says Johnston.

"Volunteering allows you to meet  people that you would not necessarily have a chance to meet. It gives you an opportunity to find a new strength or area of interest. When your child volunteers, this enhances your child’s social skills. With an older child, volunteering is an important area that colleges are always looking for on college applications." says Johnston.

Volunteer Opportunities For Families
Families can volunteer at the local food pantry and can help deliver meals to homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels. A family can adopt a road in their community and keep it clear of trash and debris. Elderly people love to talk to children, so families with young children can also visit convalescent homes. Children can read stories to the residents. “I learned that even if you aren’t getting paid for something, you can still reap benefits,” says Preston Devine, George Fox University junior.

As a parent, talk with your kids about the need for volunteering. Talk about why you think it is a good idea to volunteer and how important it is to think about other people and their circumstances. “Remind yourself daily that growing in your ability to love unconditionally and give sacrificially is actually the best thing for you,” says Johnston.

Service at Home
Volunteering does not always mean you have to leave home. Teaching your kids to serve at home is an important part of parenting. When family members serve each other it gives the child a chance to look beyond his needs and to the needs of his siblings.

When your older child tries out a new recipe or rubs your neck because you’re tired, applaud her efforts. “Children grow in self-esteem and confidence by learning at a young age how to be a contributing member of their family,” says Johnston.

Older children can help babysit a child for a young couple who needs a night out. Families can bring a meal to an elderly couple in their neighborhood. If you or your spouse have a financial or mechanical talent, you can help out another family with budgeting advice or help them fix a faucet.

Check Out More Opportunities
Local newspapers and regional parenting magazines often have lists of volunteer opportunities in your area. Hospitals have volunteer coordinators that can be contacted for further information. Volunteer Match has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that your family can investigate.

Kelsey S., a 20 yr. old college student, shares when she was in first grade she was assigned a 7th grade “volunteer buddy” in school and her group visited a nursing home. “I was extremely shy at that age and would basically cling to her hand the ENTIRE time. But she never complained, never let go and didn't try and force me to talk.” Kelsey, who now volunteers with young people, explains “now when I have young girls who run up and give me a hug or who jump up and want to be on my team, it makes me want to be a better person for them.” What can be better than that?

Bio:  Jan Udlock is a homeschooling mother of 5 and a freelance writer. She loves both jobs most of the time.