Weekend: Teach your children the value of doing service – The Courier

By CASSIE ANDERSON Teaching youth to give time and talent is a step in their personal development. Developmentally, children are very focused on their individual needs and less so on the world around them. Introducing the concept of service and philanthropy to a youth is a long-term gift to the child. For example, simply giving a coin from their own piggy bank to the offering plate at Sunday school can plant the seeds of philanthropy in younger children. In the Sunday school example, just giving the child a coin to donate does not teach the whole lesson. Being intentional with children, explaining why it is important to give back is what makes learning about service begin to stick. In the family dynamic, utilizing teachable moments about service is a great way to help youth learn. A parent or adult picking up some trash in the community role models a positive behavior to the child. Simple lessons, role modeling and talking to children about why it is important to do service will help develop the kind of adults we need in our communities. With the proper encouragement, children can be very giving and thoughtful of others. Head, heart, hands and health make up the Hs in 4-H. Youth development in 4-H is based around working toward a well-rounded child. 4-H clubs and other youth organizations have service components as part of the organization. Research conducted by Tufts University has concluded that youth in 4-H are more inclined to participate in service and continue doing so as adults. What the research has found is being demonstrated again and again through Ohio 4-H. Youth given the proper challenge and reason to care will stand up and support their communities. In Highland County, a young 4-H member has started her own fundraising program called U Can to raise funds for Highland County 4-H when the Extension program funding was cut. By collecting and recycling aluminum within her community and getting other clubs to help, over $13,000 was raised. A 4-H family recently lost their home in a fire. They have received an outpouring of assistance from youth and others in the community. Every year, 4-H families and clubs perform beautification projects, conduct drives for needed supplies, adopt families in need, make and donate items, and much more. Taking time to make a difference in the community is part of 4-H. Positive youth development happens with learning by doing; its a key point in any childs development. Getting your family involved in community service is one way to help your child grow and become a contributing citizen. Getting children to start practicing service while young is a gift that will keep paying forward to your child and the community. There are many resources and organizations out there that need help or will help you provide service opportunities for your family. The United Way, Scouts, 4-H, Camp Fire Northwest Ohio, religious youth groups, and the schools are all great places to find resources on how to get your family involved. Anderson is an Ohio State University Extension educator for 4-H youth development.

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Weekend: Teach your children the value of doing service - The Courier