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Being actively involved in a community is very beneficial for both children and adults alike. Not only can it help us develop a range of skills, dependent on the activities, but it can also help shape who we are and what we believe in. Parents can help encourage their children to get involved with the community in many ways. I have teamed up with an independent boarding school in Kent to explore community involvement in further detail below.
Helps Children Empathise
By learning about the hardships that other people in the community face, like sickness, homelessness or starvation, children develop the ability to empathise with others, which will make them a more compassionate person.
Improves Social Skills
Lots of community activities, such as volunteering at a care home, give children the chance to meet lots of different types of people with varying backgrounds. This will help them become better communicators. Likewise, if they volunteer at a local charity shop, they will develop customer service skills that will not only benefit them socially but will also look great on their CV.
Teaches Children About the Environment
Certain community activities, such as litter picking, can help children learn about the environment and global warming. As a result, they may become more environmentally conscious and be more active in recycling and saving energy.
Improves Strength & Physical Fitness
Perhaps your child wants to run a marathon or take part in a race to raise money for charity. Maybe, if they’re old enough, they want to travel overseas to help build an orphanage or religious building in a poorer country. Community involvement activities like these will help them become more physically fit, which has numerous health benefits.
As you can see, there are various routes your child can take when it comes to giving back and helping the community, each with its own set of benefits. Talk to your child about what they’re interested in and passionate about because it might be different to what you consider a valuable use of their time based on their experiences.
For instance, they might feel strongly about helping support a cancer charity after meeting a classmate with cancer. They might have a grandparent in a care home, and therefore feel passionate about donating baked goods to the residents of a local establishment. If your child feels strongly about a certain cause, they will get more value out of the experience.
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