Teaching Teens Gratitude: A Community-Based Approach

As a parent, you may have noticed that your kids, especially those in their teens, often do not value things they receive or purchase. They tend to lose them, break them, or show an ambivalent attitude towards them. It might make you wonder if it's too late to teach them gratitude. However, teaching teens gratitude does not stop at reminding them to express thanks - it involves real-world experiences that help them develop empathy and an appreciation for what they have. Volunteering in the community can be one effective way to achieve this.

Engaging your teens in community service can be rewarding for everyone involved. In this article, we will explore how getting teens involved in volunteerism can foster a sense of appreciation and gratitude. We'll also discuss a real story that highlights the positive impact this approach can have.

The Power of Community Service

Communities, regardless of their size, greatly benefit from volunteer work. By participating in community service, teens can develop a sense of responsibility, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for their role in society. Moreover, volunteering can be a valuable learning experience that complements academic and extracurricular activities.

A True Story: The Softball Camp Experience

My story is a testament to the power of community service in teaching teens about gratitude. I have four children, three of whom are healthy, active, and productive adults. My fourth child, the "baby" of the family, faces significant challenges, including being mentally handicapped and dealing with physical disabilities. Despite her limitations, she always cheered on her siblings during their sports activities, even though she couldn't compete with them. However, she longed to participate in a softball camp.

A high school softball coach organized a weekend camp for 5th grade girls. I was initially concerned that my daughter, who was the only camper in her grade level, might be asked to leave since she was the only participant. To my surprise, the coach was enthusiastic about her attending. He explained, "My girls here have never had to face the kinds of life challenges that other kids face. Your child will have the whole softball team playing and interacting with her exclusively. In the process of this, my team will be faced with producing workable solutions to help physically and mentally challenged individuals be able to participate. Chances are that these players will not have to work with challenged individuals like your child, but they will have to learn how creatively solve problems. This is one way to teach them that everyone matters and to be grateful for what they have."

The coach and I watched as her teammates worked with her to help her throw, catch, and run bases. They cheered her on and supported her every step of the way, saying things like "You can do this!" and "You got this, girl, keep going!" When faced with challenges, they did not give up but instead found innovative solutions to ensure she could participate fully.

Encouraging Your Teen to Volunteer

From this experience, I learned that involving teens in community service can be incredibly rewarding. Here are some suggestions on how to encourage your teens to get involved:

Identify local organizations that align with your teen's interests and passions. Find volunteer opportunities that offer hands-on experiences and the chance to interact with people from diverse backgrounds. Visit the organization in person to get a better sense of the work they do and how your teen could contribute. Discuss the benefits of volunteering, such as personal growth, skill development, and a sense of belonging to a community. Be flexible and open to new ideas. Your teen might have unexpected interests or ideas for volunteer projects that you haven't considered.

Conclusion

Getting teens involved in community service through volunteerism can be an excellent way to teach them about gratitude and the value of contributing to the greater good. By participating in such activities, teens can develop a broader perspective, learn valuable life skills, and grow into compassionate and responsible individuals. By sharing this positive experience with them, you can inspire them to make a difference in the world and cultivate a sense of gratitude for the opportunities and kindness they receive.