Spring Break: 5 Ways to Have Fun While Giving Back
While spring break is in session, many children will be playing with friends, attending a day camp, swimming, and getting a much needed break from the daily grind. But with some extra time on their hands, spring break also provides an excellent opportunity to give a portion of their time in service to the community. Whether your child is three or thirteen, there are plenty of ways they can get in on the fun of giving back this week.
The lesson of giving back doesn't have to wait until older teen years. Giving children the opportunity to intentionally think and act beyond themselves helps build empathy, as well as learn how to work as a team with others toward a common goal. It can also be a great practice in understanding a particular process and carrying out instructions outside the classroom through a different context. Depending on the nature of the good deed, it can also lend itself to relationship building and sharpening communication skills.
Closet Clean Out
As our children grow, so does the amount of clothes in their dresser drawers and closets that no longer fit! Carve out a little time one day this week to help your child sort through their clothing and shoes to pick out the items that they cannot wear anymore. Let them know that their unneeded items will be donated to a local charity so other children who need them can wear them. Take a look at the clothing donation centers in your area and together, determine where you want to drop off your items. Load everything up in your car that afternoon and drop it off before too much time passes and the bag becomes a long-term fixture in your vehicle. It's okay, no judgement - we've all done it. This way, the lesson will resonate with your child when you go to the nonprofit together and offload your items and you both can feel good knowing that they are going to a good cause.
Help a Neighbor
Make Cheerful Cards for Seniors
Plan a Community Food Drive
Trash Pick Up
Pick a local park or nature trail area to pick up trash. Simply grab a few trash bags, wear rain boots and a pair of gloves then get to work! Although many parks and amenity-rich drainage areas are routinely maintained, there's always something to pick up. Be sure to accompany your child and inquire with corresponding authoritative groups to ensure whether or not you need special permissions to carry out this act of kindness.
Giving back doesn't have to take much time, it's usually free and it makes the giver and the recipient happy. It's a win-win! However you encourage your child to give back this spring break, get in on the fun with them this week. Who knows, you just might start a new tradition or help your child ignite a new passion.
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
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