Page 60 - Parents Magazine (December 2019)

KIDSÑHelping

It’s Never Too Early to Volunteer

Even toddlers can help their community and
the world at large. Use our age-by-age guide to get started.

by KAITLIN LOWE / photograph by LUCY SCHAEFFER

LET’S SET the record straight: food bank. You could also Set up two coin jars in his
No child is too young to AG E S 2 T O 4 consider starting a reverse room and give him change
volunteer. In fact, during the Advent calendar, having to collect. When they're full,
your child put one item in a help him choose one gift
toddler and preschool years,
box every day leading up that you know a friend needs
being a helper shapes a child’s Pick wildflowers with your to Christmas. Dairy products and one treat for being kind. STYLING BY ANNIE NICHOLAS FOR ENNIS INC. GROOMING BY MEL PALDINO FOR ENNIS INC.
developing sense of morality, child, bundle them up, and and lean proteins are in high Write “Thank you!” on
says Joseph F. Hagan Jr., M.D., together give the bouquet to demand, so shelf-stable milk, cards for your preschooler to
clinical professor of pediatrics a friend, a family member, peanut butter, and canned color. Carry them with you
at Larner College of Medicine or a neighbor who could use tuna are good to grab. to give to workers or veterans
cheering up. you encounter.
at The University of Vermont, Take advantage of your
Encourage him to notice a toddler’s love of sorting, and Decorate paper lunch bags
in Burlington. You can help
child playing alone and have ask her to help put recyclables and holiday-themed place
spark lifelong altruism with
him ask to join in. into your bin. It’s a good mats together, then help add a
these age-specific ideas
Pick out nonperishables chance to remind yourself of the special touch to deliveries by
from experts, families, and in from your cabinets together types of plastics and papers donating your crafts to Meals on
some cases, kids themselves. and pack a box for your local that can and can’t be recycled. Wheels or a local nursing home.

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