EDUCATION
Changing the World
VOLUNTEERING CAN HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON A CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT
20
HOLIDAY 2018 | (201) FAMILY
HOW
YOUNGER KIDS GET INVOLVED
Educational psychologist and licensed professional counselor Jennifer Politis, who
practices in Ramsey, says children around ages 3 or 4 can start helping parents and older
siblings with volunteer projects. Her tips for involving the entire family include:
• Having younger children pick out canned goods for a food drive or clothing and toys for
a school or church donation.
• Putting a donation jar or charity box in the kitchen so that every member can put money
into it. Each month, a different family member can decide where to donate the money.
• Having every family member write down a place they would like to volunteer and put
the ideas in a jar. Each month, randomly pick a place from the jar, and go there as a
family to volunteer.
Small gestures can have a significant impact on a child’s development. “It gives children
a sense of empowerment to act on something and do something,” says Politis.
Beth Sonnenberg, a licensed psychotherapist based in Livingston, offers another
suggestion: Children can donate their toys to other children. “They can get to know
children from different backgrounds, ethnicities, socioeconomic levels, mental and
physical abilities that they might not usually come in contact with,” Sonnenberg says.
“This can provide perspective and help them feel grateful for the things in their lives.”
T
here comes a day when
every young person must
do a public service proj-
ect. Maybe it’s for confir-
mation or a bat mitzvah,
maybe not until college
applications loom. It can seem like a
chore for parent and child alike. But
that’s the wrong attitude to take, many
experts say. Doing good can — and
should — start at an early age.
“Every young person can benefit
from volunteer work,” says Debbie
Emery, director
of Commu-
SOCIAL MEDIA
nity and Youth
SAVVINESS CAN
Engagement for
BE
USED ON CHARITABLE
the Bergen Vol-
CAMPAIGNS.
unteer Center
“Kids are good with
in Hackensack.
social media,” says Judy
Atchinson, a volunteer
“Volun-
and board member of
teering is so
Peace 4 Paws, a nonprofit
important,
in Westwood that
since it helps a
fosters dogs. Teenagers
child develop
can distribute fliers
and posters about dog
empathy,” says
adoption events and
educational
promote events on
psychologist
social media pages.
and licensed
professional
counselor Jennifer Politis, who practices
in Ramsey. “Teaching kids about giving
is rewarding for both the parent and the
child.”
So, where do we start when it comes
to volunteer opportunities for young
people?
“It’s really important when high-
school-aged kids and older take the
initiative on their own,” says Emery.
“It’s important not to have your parents
do the process for you.”
Emery talks to teens directly when
they come to the Bergen Volunteer
Center, and matches them with
WRITTEN BY LINDSEY KELLEHER