Best Do-Gooding Deeds for Kids By Age

Kids are never too young to be introduced to the idea of helping others — especially during the holidays, which are already known as the giving season. “Talk to them about what giving really means, and how it’s more than just buying presents for people you know,” Jennifer Iacovelli, creator of the Simple Giving Lab and author of Simple Giving: Easy Ways to Give Every Day, tells Yahoo Parenting.

Explain how other families might not have enough money for food, warm clothes, toys, or even their own home. Then start brainstorming fun ways to help, like playing Santa by going shopping and contributing to your local Toys for Tots campaign, or letting your neighbors know when you’ll be collecting food for your local pantry. “Getting the kids involved makes them feel good about giving and shows them they can make a difference in other people’s lives,” says Iacovelli. And according to research from the University of British Columbia, performing simple and intentional acts of kindness makes kids more accepting of others, and encourages them to help and be generous throughout their lives.

STORY: The Type of Parents Who Are the Most Generous

Here are a few ways kids of all ages can make this an enriching holiday season, and hopefully become do-gooders throughout the year:

Ages 2-4

Most kids around this age love to create art, so encourage them to make greeting cards or drawings with happy messages for deployed soldiers, nursing home residents, and people who are ill — or just hand them out to random people to make them smile. Working with children to design and personally deliver their art projects will not only foster their creativity but also their sense of compassion, according to research. “My son once created artwork for people who worked in the toll booths during a long road trip,” recalls Iacovelli. “It made the workers smile, and made my son feel good about doing a good deed.” Little ones can also make holiday cards for your local Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program, or help bake cookies and deliver them to a firehouse or police station just to say “thank you.” During the holiday season, or at their next birthday party, have your child give up one gift so that a child in need may have one. These small but meaningful gestures will teach lessons in generosity early on and make your children givers for life.

STORY: Why These Parents Give Half Their Salary — $128K — to Charity Each Year

Ages 5-8

Many studies have shown that assisting others leads to feeling good about yourself, and in turn builds self-esteem. Help your child create a list of places where they’d like to make donations. If they love animals, suggest giving some of your old towels or blankets to an animal shelter. If they want to help their peers, have them give some of their gently used toys or clothing to less fortunate kids in your community. Also, many schools, churches, and malls have adopt-an-angel trees for the holidays. Take the kids to choose an angel (a child in need of a gift or clothing) and ask them to use some of their own money to buy something for them. Another idea: Encourage them to write! At this age, many kids are practicing and perfecting their writing skills. “Writing simple thank-you notes to teachers, grandparents, caregivers, and coaches can be a fun way to teach kids about gratitude and kindness,” says Iacovelli.

STORY: What My Son Taught Me About Charity

Ages 9-12

The tween years are when kids get more into action mode, so it’s a great opportunity to teach them about volunteering – something that’s scientifically proven to make you happier. According to a study from the University of Exeter, people who volunteer have lower levels of depression, increased life satisfaction, and a more positive well-being than those who don’t volunteer. “My 10-year-old has been helping me fill backpacks with food for elementary school kids for a couple of years now,” says Iacovelli. “He does the job well and knows he is helping his peers.” Kids at this age can also volunteer to make bathroom kits for shelters (plastic bags filled with toiletries like soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste) or put together packages to send to troops overseas. This season, they can also volunteer their time and sing festive tunes at a local nursing home – a worthwhile activity for any scout troop! – to bring a smile to a senior’s face. Your kids can also sign up to ring the bells with the Salvation Army for a few hours. They have indoor and outdoor locations, so you don’t have to worry about subzero temperatures.

Teens

Get your teen involved by volunteering in a soup kitchen, or delivering meals via the Meals on Wheels program. They’re always looking for extra drivers during the holiday season. You can also plant the seed in your teenager’s head that it would be a nice gesture to help a neighbor who has mobility issues with yard work, or help them decorate their house for the holidays.

Remember that giving back isn’t just seasonal. It’s important to teach selflessness and kindness all year-round.

(Photo: Steve Debenport/Getty Images)

Please follow @YahooParenting on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Have an interesting story to share about your family? Email us at YParenting (at) Yahoo.com.