Volunteer as a family to build traits of service, commitment

Many middle schools encourage students to volunteer. Some even require it. Besides doing good for others, volunteering shows kids they can make a difference.

You can motivate your child to volunteer by making it a family activity. Among the many benefits of volunteering, you’ll find that she:

• Will feel closer to your family and your community.
• Will learn skills that may not be taught in school.
• Will learn to honor her commitments, an essential trait for success in school and life.
• Will learn to focus on the wants and needs of others. During the middle school years, children focus primarily on home, school and friends. Volunteering can provide ways for your child to learn about helping the wider community.

Reprinted with permission from the November 2005 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (Middle School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2005 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Nemours Foundation, “Community Service: A Family’s Guide to Getting Involved,” KidsHealth.org, http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/volunteer.html.