Earlier this month, we encouraged fostering empathy as a family goal for the New Year.
One practical way to do pursue that goal is by giving back, whether through formal or informal means. We’ve got some simple suggestions for families on how to do that, but first, the why.
The Why
Obviously, altruism makes a difference for the people you help, and that’s a worthy goal in itself. But the benefits just keep on rolling.
- Nurturing relationships: We mentioned helping children develop the skill of imagining a situation through another’s eyes (as for the person they’re serving). That emotional intelligence is beneficial throughout life. But volunteering as a family also draws you closer together and creates powerful, lasting memories. Entering these new contexts together in pursuit of a common goal helps you learn more about and appreciate each other’s unique perspectives and skills.
- Mental health: Multiple studies have shown that serving others, especially when we’re feeling down, relieves stress and promotes feelings of well-being. Volunteering boosts happiness, confidence, and purpose, and it decreases loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
- Physical health: While stress can damage physical health, tangibly helping others essentially negates those effects, a study found. Volunteering also has been linked with lower blood pressure, higher rates of physical activity, better reported health, and even greater longevity.
- Learning new skills: When people volunteer, they’re often asked to do tasks that are new to them. This can be empowering for children, equipping them with important life skills and the confidence to try new things, as well as for adults, for whom learning boosts practical skills and brain health.
- Making time last: A study outlined in Harvard Business Review found that time spent helping others makes it feel as if you have more time (not less). Even as little as 10 minutes spent helping others generates that feeling.
The How
Thinking about volunteering may conjure up concerns about juggling one more commitment or finding the right opportunity amidst an ocean of worthy causes, but the answer often is much closer to home than people think.
Here are a few simple, everyday ideas:
- Write a note to someone: This could be a note of thanks to a teacher, mail carrier, or sanitation worker, or it could be a note of encouragement to a sick friend or an elderly neighbor who can’t get out much in winter. For children who can’t write, a picture produces the same effect. It’s thinking of someone else that makes the difference.
- Give away a toy: Families often sort through toys this time of year. Rather than throwing them in a donation bin, help your child think of someone who might really like the toy, and deliver it!
- Help clear a driveway: After a snow, get the whole family in on clearing off a neighbor’s driveway (especially someone who may not be able to easily do so). This is a simple way of showing that you care – and it very well might turn into a snowball fight!
- Collect items for a food pantry or animal shelter: This can be fun for children and a way to build relationships with neighbors. Grab a wagon and knock on doors, asking for donations of dry goods for a local food pantry or for donations for a local animal shelter. Such organizations often see a slowdown in donations this time of year. (Tip: It may be worth spreading the word ahead of time through an online post, door flyer, text, or email.)
- Find something specific to your family: Consider giving back to organizations with which you already have a connection, such as a place of worship, club, or school. Current events often generate ideas for worthy causes, such as helping those affected by natural disasters. You can use databases such as Charity Navigator to find opportunities near you, search for specific causes, and see ratings for individual charities.
We can’t wait to hear what you come up! Let us know on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
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