Healthy Kids: Children and volunteering

FORT MYERS, Fla. – When we make service work a normal part of our lives, we don’t simply teach our children strong core values, we demonstrate these values in action. Here to discuss Volunteerism and children is Dr. Annette St. Pierre-MacKoul and her friend, Drew Andersen.

Children and Volunteering:

• Doesn’t have to be official.
• Making your community a better place through their own efforts.
• Gives children a wonderful dose of ‘can-do attitude.’
• Children learn that reaching out to help others is a natural response.
• They can make their own charity.

Butterflies of Hope and United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation:

• First Annual Energy for Life Walkathon
  Estero Parks and Rec.
  Saturday, Nov. 14
  Registration at 8:30 a.m., walk begins at 10 a.m.

What can children do?

• Regularly visit a ‘grandfriend.’
• Deliver ‘Meals on Wheels’ in your neighborhood.
• Raise a ‘service dog.’
• Start a garden and donate vegetables to those in need.
• Family program for the elderly / homeless shelter
• Make donations for animal shelters.

Benefits for the child:

• Increased self-esteem
• Builds confidence
• Your child is essential to the world.
• Playing a significant role in society.
• Better communication skills
• Be aware of other people and what they are going through.
• More balanced personality.

Other websites to get started: m.kidshealth.org