What does community service do for the child?
Community service awakens the humaneness in each of us. It helps develop empathy, love, empowerment and a sense of satisfaction at having contributed our bit to the society in which we live. Every parent should consider exposing his children to their responsibilities as effective citizens from an early age, in whatever way possible. Granted, it is not something that every child will enjoy, but with gentle reminders that we’re not the only people with needs, we can teach our children to think beyond their own desires.
A child who moves out of his comfort zone will develop qualities and values that he may not have been exposed to otherwise. Community service not only sensitises a child to his environment and the people around him, it also imparts a sense of confidence and selfassurance. A child working on a useful project alongside an adult will see the difference his efforts make and be motivated to reach for more. He will also imitate the adult with whom he is working, and learn to take on responsibility.
The adult, in turn, can guide a child into understanding the realities of the world around him without having to throw him headfirst into it when he is older.
Encouraging your child to be active in the community: some tips and ideas
Ages 2-5: when sensitivity blossoms
This is the age when a child starts becoming more independent, and endeavours to understand his surroundings. It is a good idea to begin sensitising your child at this age, showing him that there is more to the world than just him and his wants.
‘Charity begins at home’, so on special days — birthdays, festival days — ask your child to share his treats with the domestic help, or celebrate the day in an orphanage with all the children there.
This story is from the September - October 2019 edition of ParentEdge.
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This story is from the September - October 2019 edition of ParentEdge.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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