At New Creations, we firmly believe that instilling values like generosity and kindness in our children from an early age lays the groundwork for a generation that excels academically and contributes meaningfully to society. By engaging in volunteer activities, children develop empathy and understanding towards individuals with different life experiences. These early lessons in compassion set the foundation for a lifetime of caring about others and socially responsible decision-making.
Teaching Compassion from an Early Age
Opportunities for Families to Give Back
Teaching Compassion from an Early Age
We emphasize the importance of nurturing compassion in children from the earliest stages of their development because we know how exposure to acts of kindness positively influences a child's character. While your toddler can't rebuild homes following a natural disaster, there are numerous ways to incorporate volunteer work into their lives. Teaching your child to notice the needs of others and respond with empathy allows them to develop higher emotional intelligence as they grow up. By starting with small acts of kindness now, we cultivate gratitude and emotional well-being, laying the foundation for a stronger, more compassionate world.
The Power of Volunteering Together
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the importance of being fully present with our families. Participating in a service project as a family creates lasting memories and builds a stronger family unit. These shared moments not only teach teamwork and kindness but also instill a sense of purpose. The collaborative effort involved in volunteering fosters a sense of togetherness, reinforcing the idea that we are part of something bigger than ourselves and that our actions can positively impact the lives of others.
Opportunities for Families to Give Back
For families with young children, formal volunteer projects may not always be feasible. However, integrating acts of charity into your routine is an excellent alternative. When you go to the grocery store, allow your kids to pick out a box of non-perishable food to donate to the food shelf. Help your child pick out some of their toys they don’t play with anymore, clothes they’ve outgrown, or books they can donate to someone less fortunate. New Creations centers frequently participate in charitable projects like Adopt-A-Family, Thanksgiving Boxes with Emmanuel Christian Center, and other clothing and food drives to respond to community needs!
Other great opportunities are endless:
When the Midwest weather gets too cold and dreary to venture outside, help your kids make tie blankets for the homeless in your community.
Color pictures or write letters to your child’s community heroes or anyone they know who may need a reason to smile. This could be veterans, nurses, firefighters, police officers, nursing home residents, or anyone your child can think of.
Habitat for Humanity invites families to volunteer as “Cookie Bakers”, to support local construction projects.
If your preschooler or school-age child likes animals, the Animal Humane Society asks for “Rescue Readers” to read stories to the animals in their care!
Help your kids pick out snacks and host a “Snack Pack” packing party for The Open Door Pantry to provide food to school children in need.
Start a family tradition of caroling and ringing a bell for the Salvation Army each Christmas!
Most importantly, take time each day to pray with your children. Pray for each other and people in our community who are hurting or need help, and teach your child that their thoughts and prayers are powerful.
Our commitment to creating an environment of love and learning extends far beyond our New Creations classrooms. We invite our families to join us in fostering compassion through meaningful volunteering experiences. Together, we can nurture a generation that understands the true value of kindness and empathy. It's not just about the service we provide, but the love we share- building a community where every child grows up knowing the joy of giving back.