We all know the importance of volunteering and whether you are coaching a local club, helping a charity out or doing one off fundraising, you are actively helping your community.

We all know the importance of volunteering and whether you are coaching a local club, helping a charity out or doing one off fundraising, you are actively helping your community.
This is a fantastic way to give back and as adults/parents it is a good example to your children.
Once your kids are older you can get them involved in helping too regardless of what it is, any type of volunteering is worthwhile for your teenager and of course, the cause itself.
Many teenagers will volunteer by being asked throughout their younger years perhaps, by bag packing or during transition year, but one should inspire their child to volunteer as it will benefit them.
Here are some of the reasons why you should encourage your teenager to volunteer:
  • Respect and achievements - Volunteering will teach your teenager how to be respectful of others and how to work together with others to achieve the goal as set out by the cause or charity.
  • Builds confidence- Some teenagers are less confident than others and a few stints doing volunteering will enable them to build their confidence in a fun and worthwhile environment. Their self-esteem will rocket and they will feel needed.
  • Teaches empathy and kindness towards others - Teenagers have it easy at times and while they must study and do chores at home, in most cases they are living the life! That is the way it should be, but teenagers should be reminded of looking after those less fortunate than them and encouraged to give back. This will prove helpful in the future when your teenager grows up and dedicates some of their free time to volunteering.
  • Great for problem solving - Teenagers need quite a lot of time to grow into themselves, some teens may have it sussed before others, but the beauty of volunteering is it teaches them some vital skills for the future. They will figure out how to problem solve and work towards something that makes them feel happy. They will get a sense of pride in what they are doing and see the results that their help inspires.
  • Will help them in future employment - It looks great on the CV if your teenager has a few volunteering stints on their resume. Employers will be delighted to see a teen can think outside the box and prove themselves useful in their spare time. While most teenagers will choose to play video games or hang out with friends, prospective employers will be impressed by a teenager who has juggled school, home, activities and volunteering. This inevitably shows they will be able to manage a job throughout the rest of their schooling and college years.
  • May inspire a career - This may not happen but often if a teenager volunteers in a certain area it will be because they share a genuine interest in it. This means they will not only work hard but excel in it to provide them with a good platform for their future career.
Volunteering is worthwhile and if teenagers today get involved the future for volunteering will be bright!
Written by Emma Hayes, Staff Writer, with Family Friendly HQ. 
 

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