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We all want our kids to change the world. My kid can be president, ambassador to France, a scientist who discovers the cure for everything, a brain surgeon, or whatever else they set their mind to. Every parent has the highest hopes and ambitions for their child. Sometimes, children do reach an unforeseeable potential; every great person in history started out as a baby, after all. As parents, we want to give our children the world, but sometimes we feel confined to the limits of our living room. Here are some easy ideas on how to help your child conquer the world.
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Help others, build character
Volunteering is one opportunity to raise a community-minded child. Teaching your children to have compassion and showing them how to help others will develop your child’s empathy; all beneficial to help them make a world a better place. THere are some opportunities you and your child can take to help others. Refugees: Many refugees come to the US from war stricken or impoverished countries. They arrive at their new homes with a mix of emotions: the relief of being safe, the desolation of missing their friends and families they had to leave behind, the worry for their loved ones still in danger, and the loneliness of being in a foreign country. Donate goods clothes and goods to local charity organizations that support refugees and multiple communities.
Volunteer opportunity: Family ambassador
Many times, refugee organizations have volunteer programs, such as an ambassador program, that allow volunteers to connect with newly arrived families. Some possibilities include spending time with a family to create connections and showing them around so they can get to know their new home better. Many refugee families have kids, so your child may have have an opportunity to make new friendships.
Volunteer opportunity: English tutor
Another volunteer opportunity for working with refugees is helping them with their English learning. Some refugees come to the United States as fluent English speakers, while others come speaking little to nothing. You and your child can help them practice their English, and you may even learn some of their native language.Retirement Homes: Many people end up in retirement homes in their late years in life. These places are meant to offer peace and care but often seclude the elderly.
Volunteer opportunity: Companionship
Taking your child to offer your company and friendship to the people who live there can be a great way to connect to your community. For seniors, having someone to talk to can improve their day tremendously. You can also bring some nail polish and lotion and help your kids give “manicures.” *If you have not yet had experience volunteering in areas like this and you feel anxious about taking your child, you might try going with other adults before you bring your children along.
English Is No Longer Enough
As a country, the United States falls short on languages spoken. Despite the assortment of cultures that inhabit the United States, many people speak only English. Even with high school language requirements, many children do not get sufficient multilingual language exposure. This is in clear contrast to many other countries. In Western Europe, many people speak three or more languages, in Africa, it can be more than five, and even Canada has two official languages: English and French. Sure, many of these countries speak English. Many Americans get by with only English, but as globalization trends increase, giving your child the opportunity to learn a language can be invaluable. Here are some options to offer your child the knowledge of a new language.
Consider dual immersion schools
More and more schools are choosing to include dual immersion programs. These schools offer opportunities to better guide children who do not speak English, but also teach English speaking students another language. Classes and daily exposure to a new language can have lasting benefits for your children.
Exposure to other languages
Even if you don’t speak multiple languages, you can expose children to new languages. Libraries often have books and videos that introduce children to new languages; you can also buy them at bookstores or online. Additionally, if you have anyone in your life that speaks another language, ask them to speak to your children in their other language. Little by little, they can start to pick up words or phrases, and it can even spark an interest in them to learn the language.
Make the World Your Playground
During free time, such as weekends or vacations from school, consider searching for ways to get your kids off of screens. Doing so can help feed your child’s curiosity and sense of adventure, and give them experiences that will influence them into their adult years.
- Take your children on hikes, let them choose which paths to take. Just don’t get lost!
- Don’t forget about museums; local art and history museums or planetariums can be a stimulating and fun way to spend a morning or afternoon. Many museums have temporary or rotating exhibits, so even if you have visited before, there may be something new every couple of weeks.
- If you live in a city big enough to have cultural neighborhoods (such as a Basque Block or China Town) take your kids for lunch, maybe a store, and for a walk around the block. If you can, teach them a few phrases and facts about the culture before going.
Teach your kids to be respectful, but let them be curious. If you are not comfortable eating something you find, but they express interest, don’t hold them back. Though it can be scary having them try something you are not familiar with, let them at least taste something new to see if the like it.
- Take roadtrips to close-by towns. Even if it doesn’t seem exciting to you, your child will enjoy exploring a town different than their own. Driving to a camping spot is also an inexpensive vacation.
- Reading books about other countries is also an opportunity to expand your child’s horizons. Watching shows on the Travel Channel or interesting films or documentaries on other countries can also be fun!
While some of these steps are easier than others, it can seem feel overwhelming to try to implement any of these right away. It is realistic to start small; like any worthwhile task, you will need to take it one idea at a time. However, if you are dedicated, these steps can help you raise a child who will change the world.
