There are many ways your child can make a difference. Start with projects that they can incorporate into a preteen’s busy schedule, and then add bigger projects that require more time. You might also want to consider volunteering together. That way you can spend quality time together, and set a great example for your preteen and teens. Below are a few ideas for kids’ volunteer opportunities or community projects. Some of these your child can tackle at home, others are for school, your neighborhood, or the community. When considering volunteer jobs, think about the time commitment required, and your family’s schedule, your tween’s homework load, and other daily demands. Have fun picking your projects and know that your child is learning a lot about helping others and making a difference. Below are just a few suggestions for volunteer jobs that your tween might enjoy.
Volunteer Ideas for Home
Help younger siblings clean their rooms, brush their teeth or finish their homework Play with younger siblings when they are bored Volunteer to make a parent or a sibling lunch for work or school Help a parent finish a chore, such as snow shoveling or raking leaves Make cookies or brownies for a sick relative Turn the backyard into a sanctuary for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife Feed, groom, and care for the family pet Write a letter to an elderly relative or get a group of kids together to make cards to deliver to a local nursing home Be responsible for cleaning up a bedroom, playroom or a family common area Do things without being asked, such as hanging up your jacket or changing the cat’s litter box
Volunteer Opportunities and School
Before your child tackles a project for his or her school, be sure to have your tween ask teachers or the school principal for permission, advice, and suggestions.
Help teachers set up their classrooms at the beginning of the yearHelp teachers pack up their classrooms at the end of the yearBe a patrol guard at a bus stop or on the school busHelp the school librarian shelve books or assist students when checking books in and outMake safety posters to display around the schoolOrganize a school supply drive for students who cannot afford to buy their ownTutor younger children when they need itBring assignments to friends or classmates who have missed school due to illness or a family emergency
Volunteering at Church
Watch younger children during the church serviceAssist adult volunteers at a vacation bible schoolCreate and decorate a bulletin board displaySend welcome cards to new church membersOrganize a supply drive for the Sunday school teachersBake cookies for the church staffHelp maintain the church gardens
Volunteering in the Community
Organize a food and toy drive for the local animal shelterHelp stock the local food pantryVolunteer to help a younger neighbor with homeworkMake Valentine cards for the residents of a retirement homeParticipate in a local clean-up dayMake brownies for new neighborsJoin a local service organizationAsk for donations to a local homeless shelter rather than gifts at your next birthday partyDonate proceeds from a lemonade stand to a charity of your choicePurchase gifts for a needy family during the holiday season
