How to teach your kids the value of service?
This article discusses different ways that you can teach your kids the value of service. We live in an interesting world today. As you read stories about out of control celebrities, groups of kids beating up the homeless and the helpless, increasing pornography and drug addiction, rising divorce rates, and more, it seems like we are living in an age that is more and more dedicated to self satisfaction, self fulfillment, and self indulgence.
Even the reluctance of men and women in their mid to late twenties and early thirties to get married, start families, and choose a career demonstrates a reluctance to take on responsibilities with the perceived consequences of losing independence and the ability to do whatever one would want. At the same time, it also appears that more and more people are becoming involved in service. Celebrities are, at least, with the proliferation of more and more charities that they sponsor. Similarly, there is a new interest in working to protect the environment, to help people who suffer from the destruction of natural disasters, to volunteer to help those who are at a disadvantage at school and in the workplace.
|
|
A willingness to serve and an understanding of the knowledge of service are important things for any kid to learn. While it is true that these values can make one more successfully materially, it is important for kids to learn the value of service so that they can become better people. Do you really want your children to end up like one of the hard partying, self obsessed celebrities that grace the news each night? Or would you prefer that your children understand that not everyone is as well off as they are, that people need help, and that there is nobody else who can give that help instead of us? Teaching your children the value of service is important not only for those who are the recipients of your kids' acts of service, but also for your kids themselves so that they can grow up understanding differences and also the importance of charity.
So how can you teach your kids the value of service? There are a number of ways. The first way is to give your kids opportunities to serve others. Make service a family event. Organize trips to volunteer at your local soup kitchen or food bank. Ask your kids to donate some of their toys to give to a local shelter for abused and battered children. You can also set up a Sub-for-Santa opportunity for your family, and involve your children in shopping trips for the family. Let your kids pick out toys for the children in the family you are serving. Let them be involved in the process.
Similarly, you can teach your kids the value of service in your home. Tell your children how important it is that they are nice to each other. Encourage them to do things for each other. If one child needs help with homework, or with a game, or a craft, ask another child to help them do so.
Finally, you can use example to teach your kids the value of service. Let them see you working to serve people in your community. Take dinner to the woman in your neighborhood who just had a baby or is sick. Don't complain about service in front of your kids or about people who are needy. Also, be willing to do things for your spouse. If you develop an understanding of the value of service in your home through your own actions, then your children will grow up understanding the value and the importance of serving other people as a way to make them happy.
