Easy Acts of Service for Kids of All Ages

February is a great time to remind our children of the joy and value of serving others. “Acts of service” is a love language and something that kids can do regardless of age. And the earlier introduced, the better.

As parents, we are so grateful to be able to give our kids so much…especially things we may not have had when we were young. But there is much more joy in knowing that our kids can give more than they receive and learn how to be contributing members of our community.

Donate.

Whether it’s toys, clothes, or food items for your local donation center or food pantry, kids of all ages can get involved. Toddler and preschool-age kids can participate in the gathering and sorting. School-age and middle school kids can help with prepping items. Highschoolers can do research and handle drop-off to the different organizations that will benefit from the items.

Leave things better than you found them.

This is such an easy way for kids to practice acts of service. Have your children walk around the house and pick up anything that has been misplaced. Kids as young as five years old can begin to participate in household chores. Remind them that chores are an act of service towards the home and the family. This habit will extend to outside the home as well. Try doing a quick park pick-up next time you’re at the playground.

Volunteer.

Volunteer as a family. Lovepacs, your local community center, or a local house of worship are always in need of volunteers for various projects, and most times the volunteer opportunities can involve your kids. Modeling the behavior that we want to see in our kids starts with intentionally finding ways to expose your kids to service in action.

{Read More: How to Volunteer with Kids in Collin County}

Service truly starts at home.

Have each child write or speak out loud one way they can perform an act of service to themselves and to someone in their family each week or month. Showing love to others also starts with loving oneself. Help them to foster love for one another by showing it, not just saying it.

Teaching your kids to serve each other and those around them will help them to develop kindness and empathy, which are always needed and valued. This opportunity could develop into a meaningful life calling for them as they get older, in the form of a career as a teacher, nurse, advocate, or other profession that gives back to the community.

What are some acts of service that you and your kids are doing in our local community? Please share below.