Radio Commentary
It’s important for children to learn how to be good
citizens, and one of the best teaching methods is for parents to model the
right behavior.
One good place to start is to find at least one
cause or need in your community where you can volunteer your help.
Let your children know why you think that area is
important, and spell out for them how you are trying to help. Let your child
join you if he or she wants.
Most children will be eager to become involved — but
don’t force it if they’re not.
It’s important to let each child choose where and
how to help, so they can take ownership in the progress that is made.
Opportunities range from helping other young people
or senior citizens, to helping animals, or tackling an environmental project.
It’s
also good to find and share success stories with your children.
It’s
easy for any one of us to become overwhelmed by the problems in the community
or the world. But the truth is that individuals can and do make a difference.
Talk
to your children about the importance of joining forces. Encourage them to
involve their friends or classmates in tackling big projects such as a creek or
playground cleanup.
All
these activities help reinforce the actions of good citizens. They help plant
the seeds that individuals make a difference, and that in a democratic society
we all have a responsibility to do things “for the good of the order.”
