Volunteering: A Win-Win For You and Your Child

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on this earth”—Muhammad Ali.

So here’s a question that would be difficult for many to answer:

When was the last time you willingly volunteered to give back? 

For most, it was probably when we were still in school and we were forced to.

But don’t feel bad about this. 

As parents, you have to juggle your job, your children, your household, and your commitments to your partner on top of your own life! So it’s understandable that volunteering isn’t something you think about a lot.

But let’s think about your child. How many commitments does your child have to juggle besides school? 

Even then, why else should they be volunteering when they can be doing more revision books or tuition?

Well, let me show you why!

What Good Does Volunteering Do For My Child?

IQ Vs. EQ 

I’m sure you’ve heard that IQ and being book-smart can only bring you so far in life.

Your child should have no problem in the IQ division. They’re Singaporeans, after all!

But all jokes aside, I’ll hold your hand when I tell you that Forbes revealed Singapore to be the least emotionally aware country…

So what good is it for your child to bury their nose in revision books if they don’t go out into the world? 

How will they learn to connect with other humans and live a fulfilled life in the future if they’re lacking on the EQ side?

They Become A Part of Something Bigger

So a great way for them to get more emotional intelligence is to go out and socialise with others! 

As humans, we all desire to be a part of something. And your child will go through growth and self-discovery, no matter what community they join. 

So wouldn’t it be better if your child goes through self-discovery and self-growth with a meaningful community?

The charity’s values and missions will probably be imprinted into your child, and what harm will that do?

It Instills Values and Builds Character 

You definitely don’t need me to tell you the benefits of volunteering, like how it builds character and teaches your child values, right? 

Firstly, showing up already displays responsibility and accountability in your child.

Then, when they’re helping with the volunteer work, it’s their perseverance and resilience that will see them through the tough time.

And when your child witnesses misfortune firsthand and sees the impact of their actions on others, they’ll probably reflect on their life. This will help in developing their character, and they’ll feel good about themselves. 

The ‘feel good about themselves’ might just seem like a temporary thing. But this experience could stick with them for life. 

The memory that they’ve once achieved something great that made an impact on society could inspire and empower them to do more in the future. 

This builds character.

As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The only way to truly know yourself is to serve others.”

It Gets Them Out Of The House and Off Their Electronic

Now, this is really more of a win for you, parents!

Would you really deny the chance to get your child off their bed and laptop to do something meaningful? Take every chance you can get parents!

Volunteer work usually involves physical work too. So this means your child will exercise their muscles and body too! 

Don’t you just love a 3-in-1?

Are There Any Limitations For Children Volunteering in Singapore?

There are almost no limits for children to volunteer!

However, as with everything, you should consider if the charity’s work is age-appropriate and isn’t too physically demanding for your child.

For example, younger children are more prone to heat stroke, and their body is not as physically strong as a teenager’s body. 

So it might be better for your 6-year-old to volunteer at the soup kitchen instead of a couple hours-long beach clean in Singapore’s hot weather.

Then Where Can Children Volunteer in Singapore?

Children can volunteer at any charity or organisation.

So pick one with a cause that your child can get into.

Do they like dogs but your spouse doesn’t want pets at home? Volunteering at an animal shelter can fill that void for them.

If they love the outdoors and adventure, then march em’ off to the Boy’s Brigade!

Here are three child-friendly organisations that are age-friendly, no matter how old your child is!

The Salvation Army 

You’ve probably heard someone say, “I’m donating it to the Salvation Army.”

And that’s a lot of what the Salvation Army does! They’re one of the most well-known charities around the world, and they collect funds to help those in need.

How Your Child Can Get Involved:

Your child could help to organise and run these charity events or donation drives! 

Would helping out in soup kitchens, interacting with various communities, and raising donations when disasters strike resonate with them? Then the Salvation Army would be a great place for them to help out!

The Soup Kitchen Project 

This charity in Singapore distributes 320 vegetarian meals at the Jalan Besar/Lavender Street area every week.

It’s great if you and your child have a busy schedule, as they only operate every Tuesday from 5:15 pm to 7:45 pm!

How Your Child Can Get Involved:

If your child loves to be in the kitchen and meet new people, then they’ll definitely find meaning in helping at the Soup Kitchen Project.

From chopping veggies to portioning brown rice, packing them neatly, and handing them out with love, your child might even see it as a fun activity to do rather than volunteer work!

The Boy’s/Girl’s Brigade 

Did you know that the Brigades are a charity?

Most of us just know them as a CCA in school, right? 

I guess it makes sense why they were always selling cookies to raise money!

The charity aims to help children learn important life skills when they’re young, so it builds a strong foundation for the rest of their life. 

The Brigades are driven by faith, care, and trust. Wouldn’t you want these values in your child? 

How Your Child Can Get Involved:

If your child loves the outdoors, solving problems, and working in a team, they’ll LOVE the boy’s or girl’s brigade. 

You can sign them up at the Boy’s and Girl’s Brigade (BGB) website, ask your local church about it, or sign them up for the CCA at school!

Conclusion

Volunteering is a win-win for both you and your kid! Your child will build character, learn new skills, make friends, and feel good about helping others. 

It’s a great way for you to give back to the community and make a difference too, while inspiring and empowering your child.

So make a difference today and head to your nearest charity with your child!