How to Get Your Kids Involved in Their Community
A community with active kids tends to be a vibrant, functioning community. But how can you get your kids to be involved in your community? Here are some tips and suggestions.
- Future Goals
One of the things that active community involvement can do is help prepare kids for their future. So, as your kids get to an age where they can understand, introduce the concept of goals for the future. Take your child’s interests into account, and work with him or her to formulate some long-term goals. Then, when community programs and activities are offered that coincide with these interests and goals, your child may be more motivated to participate.
A note on long-term goals – the items on this list can be somewhat broad, like “become more independent,” or specific, such as “get an apartment in a specific area one month after college graduation.” Having a mix of broad and specific future goals provides a more realistic and flexible look at the future.
- Define Interests
For kids of all ages, finding what they enjoy doing is part of growing up. Sometimes, just trying a few activities without a lot of commitment can help determine what your child enjoys. As you help your child figure out what he enjoys, he can be on the alert for community activities that fit with his interests. Community involvement can also help your child figure out his interests and passions.
- Know What’s Going On
Regularly check your local newspaper and keep an eye out for flyers to find out what activities are going on in your community on a given day, week, month, or season. Talk to other parents and join online groups and social media to make sure you’re “in the know” about what’s happening in and around your community.
- Head Up an Activity Yourself
Does your community not have anything going on? Why not head something up? You can organize a neighborhood nature hike, or a special clean-up day. You could even get some neighbors together and host a block party. Maybe your child likes gardening – how about a community garden?
- Volunteer
Encourage your kids to volunteer in an area of interest – or even an area of non-interest to get the experience. Your local animal shelter, nursing homes, or house of worship are good places to start. Local charities almost always need help. Maybe even your whole family can get involved.