After school activity - Volunteering
There is no greater satisfaction than helping someone in need. There are afterschool activity programs in which teens can volunteer their time to help others. Some of the activities in which teens can volunteer their services include: helping serve food in soup kitchens around the holidays, work with other school kids to build homes, volunteer to read to sick children in hospitals, visit the elderly in nursing homes, and a host of other good deeds which are part of so many city and state organizations available today.Recently, one teen organized a campaign to send letters to our soldiers. She placed boxes in all the leading car dealerships over Memorial Day weekend, and received hundreds of thousands of responses.
Volunteering isn’t just limited to organizations. A teen can help an elderly neighbor buy groceries each week, or accompany an elderly neighbor to the park. Volunteerism is not something a teen has to do; but wants to do. Caring for others is the basic foundation of volunteerism, and we see it every day in every city and state in our country.
Teens are ready to volunteer in any capacity. Whether they know it or not, helping a friend without being asked; helping around the house; organizing a back yard habitat with friends - these are worthwhile acts of love and compassion teens exhibit on a daily basis.
It is their belief in volunteerism that moves them to join the armed forces when they become adults, or provide support to charities, or become leaders in their community to implement change where they feel change is needed.
Sometimes, teens get a bad rap. Underneath, however, they are good solid citizens who would come to anyone’s aid if asked. If you have a teen who volunteers his or her time to help others, we all owe a debt to your teen. When one teen helps one person, everyone benefits.
Additional Resources
Resources to help cope with your child’s school anxiety
This article discusses how to help your teen prepare for the SAT.
Find more detailed advice, solutions, and hands on examples on these or other topics in Christina Botto’s no nonsense, “how-to” Parenting guide “Help Me With My Teenager!” A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents that Works.”
