Kids and Summer
With the “dog days of summer” upon us, many parents are finding that their children are becoming bored with days free from school. Afternoons at the local pool and evenings at the movies can become monotonous and repetitive. Parents and children can benefit from summer enrichment activities such as summer reading programs and “Kids College.” However, an excellent way to stimulate and promote learning over the summer is for parents to encourage children to volunteer in the community. There are many community programs that welcome service from families and children and there are a variety of ways in which children can serve others. Volunteering is a special way for children and parents to bond as they work together. Children that learn about the value of service from their parents are more likely to be motivated to be giving adults themselves.
Nursing homes and other long term care facilities often welcome volunteers during the year and the summer is a great time for children to participate in service with senior adults. “Adopt-a-grandparent” programs are a creative way for children and youth to provide friendship and companionship to members of the community that are often overlooked.
Parents can find just about any size volunteer project for children to participate in during the remaining summer weeks. Community agencies that serve the homeless often welcome the helping hand of children and youth. Children can volunteer by decorating donation boxes and organizing goods at local food pantries. Some agencies are involved in urban beautification projects where children can help garden, clean, plant trees, and paint murals as a way of brightening “at-risk” neighborhoods. Older youth can be excellent mentors to younger children by helping with summer school and reading programs. Churches, synagogues, and other places of worship often have summer programs where youth can build houses abroad and learn about other cultures.
Most importantly, summertime is about families spending valuable time together. Parents that volunteer alongside their children will find that as they help others, they strengthen their own familial bonds. Encouraging children and youth to disengage from the computer and television set is a good start to family bonding. Involve children in altruistic activities as a way to further enrich the summer break. Spend time volunteering this summer and enjoy making long-lasting and worthwhile family memories.
