February is right around the corner, and before you know it, we'll be talking about Valentine's Day! February is the perfect month to spread the love with your littles by giving back to the communities where you live. At The Nanny Consultant giving back is very near and dear to our hearts and something we feel very passionately about. Valentine's Day presents a fantastic opportunity to start talking to your children about the importance of giving back. Helping those in need teaches children fundamental life skills that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Studies show that children who are taught early on to give back are more empathetic, tolerant, sympathetic, understanding, emotionally intelligent, and feel a greater duty to the world around them.
As you start this conversation with your littles, it's essential to explain the "Why" behind helping those in need. The better understanding your children have, the more open they will be to helping assist their community. Speaking openly with your children about the opportunities in your area for giving back and letting them help pick the ways in which your family will help, will get them excited and give them a sense of accomplishment. Taking time to give in your community is also an excellent time to bond with your littles. Schedules are so busy during the school year, it’s nice to slow down and help someone in need while spending time with your children. We guarantee that you’ll love seeing the giant smiles on your children’s faces as they give back with so much love.
Here is a list of 28 small and big ways to give back with your children. We hope you love them as much as we do!
1. Start close to home by going thru your kids’ stuffed animals and donating the ones they no longer play with to an animal shelter
2. Have your kiddos make cards and drawings for children at the local children's hospital
3. Donate books to your neighborhood little lending library
4. Pick up trash in your neighborhood
5. Offer to walk your neighbor's dog
6. Make dog biscuits for your local animal shelter
7. Make and pass out Blessing Bags for the homeless
8. Donate $5.00 to a charity of your kids’ choice
9. Build a small free library for your neighborhood
10. Have your kids write a Thank You note to their favorite teacher or coach
11. Bring coffee to construction workers in your area on a cold morning
12. Help an elderly person put their groceries in their car
13. Volunteer at a local charity of your children's choice
14. Set out water and snacks for the people working hard to deliver our packages
15. Leave a Thank You note and Coffee card in your mailbox for your letter carrier
16. Leave flowers and a cute handmade note on your neighbor's porch
17. Take back your empty cans and donate the money
18. Clean out your pantry and donate unopened food to a food bank
19. Make dinner and take it to a family in need
20. Paint positive messages on rocks and leave them along your family's favorite hiking trail
21. Make care packages for frontline workers at your local hospital
22. Bake cookies for an elderly person in your neighborhood
23. Help someone with outside home maintenance
24. Donate hats and gloves to a local shelter
25. Smile and say "Hello" to everyone you pass while on a walk
26. Start recycling at home
27. Make bagged lunches for a homeless shelter
28. Offer to do chores for grandparents or other family members who might need help
Happy Valentines Day,
Kyla Lopez
Owner of The Nanny Consultant – A National Nanny Agency
Homeschool Mom of 3 Littles