Great Ways To Give Back

2nd October 2018 Uncategorised

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Like many parents, I love to spoil my little children. Not in a horrendous way that creates demanding little nightmares, but in a way that supports and encourages them to embrace life and go after the things that matter. I want them to grow up knowing that they can achieve anything and that the world is their oyster.

While my focus is often on them, I do think it is important to nurture children so they become well-rounded adults who appreciate the bigger picture and play their part in something bigger than themselves. I’m also inspired by other mums who really bring home the need to help.

That is why I am making more of a conscious effort to teach them about the world, so they can better appreciate what they have and be motivated to give back and make a difference.

Of course, there is no shortage of people and causes out there, and even simple things like a friendly smile or hello can go a long way to making a difference to someone. For now, though, I’ve come up with three different ways we can give back as a family; at home, away
and further afield.

Table of Contents

AT HOME

Ever heard anyone say that charity starts at home? Well, while charity can – and should – start anywhere, home is a good place to begin. Helping others is rewarding for all involved, and you can ease your way into it by keeping it close to home.

We might start by offering to help neighbours with the garden, delivering bits to homeless shelters and taking gifts to a local children’s ward or care home. An easy way for us to give back at home is to promote recycling (easy to read labels and a competition or game
element can help). We’re also considering assigning responsibilities or a rota for wildlife care as we come into the colder months and need to fill up bird feeders and bowls of water for our garden lodgers.

AWAY

If you fancy being part of a bigger project, there are lots of regional and national campaigns or initiatives to get involved with. Whether you want to go all out and sponsor or foster therapy dogs and animals in need of a second chance, or volunteer with groups like Scouts
and Guides, you can find plenty of people in need of your particular skills.

One thing we quite like the idea of is bridging the gap between older and younger generations, offering to host something like Bisto’s Spare Chair Sunday or check in and build relationships with elderly residents in the area. There are also things like soup kitchens that
always need a spare pair of hands, and as we move into the colder months, shelters can always benefit from people volunteering to check people in and lay beds out. Plenty to do for adults and kids – just find your niche and get stuck in.

FURTHER AFIELD

Another great way for you and your family to make a big difference with a far reach is to support projects that work further afield. There are so many wonderful charities out there facilitating aid to those most in need and most out of reach. They can only help like this with the support of others, and I think it is a marvellous idea to educate your children about the world at large while encouraging enthusiasm and instilling a sense of obligation to help those less fortunate.

Whether you choose to participate in fundraising or raise awareness for great causes like orphans in need, or you swap pocket money for donations to a cause of choice, you can make the world of difference to people living half the world away. I can’t think of a better way for your little ones to be part of something much bigger.

OVER TO YOU….

I hope this has inspired you to get stuck into good causes with your family – or even solo! I’m certainly excited to see what difference my Bears and I can make!