Unlike most things about kids (like teaching them to how to talk, walk etc), being kind and considerate is kind-of hard wired in them. They have an innate desire to help. And if nurtured the right way, this sense of helping others would only grow stronger.
With the right exposure to opportunities, children can grow from an understanding of how they fit into society to how they can help solve societal problems. This developmental process grows empathy and fosters their identities as engaged citizens.Children learn kindness, respect, and empathy—internal strengths that connect them to others.
But we can’t just talk about these feelings and expect understanding; kids need to experience them.
However, me and many more parents like me In today’s times, feel disconnected and clueless on how we can make our kids experience these feelings. Juggling between work, school, kids, and activity after activity – the pressure is as it is too much.
One of the most satisfying, fun, and productive ways to unite is volunteering for community service. And what better than combining it with sports.
A bit of work and so much play, it had to be a fun filled day @ ‘Umang- The Sports Day’
Last week we got an opportunity to be a part of one such initiative. Dedicated to under privileged children from SPYM shelter home (RK Puram, New Delhi), the team of #100DeedsofKindness organized “Umang- The Sports Day” on Aug 19, 2017. The event was well supported by children & Parents involved with the drive #100DeedsOfKindness, Volunteers from Jesus & Mary College, Delhi Food Banking Network, and SPYM shelter home.
Sports day- you may think, what’s different? Well, the purpose of this initiative was unique. First, as they say, there is no childhood without play. This initiative gave an opportunity to these children to just play, play and play! Also, the concept of this Sports Day and well-designed activities aimed at enhancing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills in these children.
Undoubtedly, Sports play an important role in building sense of personal strengths and teach them to interact with others constructively and effectively.
There were various sports like races, relays, and other games. Winners received medals, trophies, and certificates.
Besides offering an enjoyable day out, ‘Umang’ gave these children an opportunity to mingle with each other and share what they learned.
I loved interacting with a few cheerful & enthusiastic children participating there.
Dressed in sunshine bright yellow t-shirts (contributed by Parents who are a part of the drive #100DeedsOfKindness), these girls reluctantly posed for me. It was their first experience of being a part of an organized sports event.
As per 10-year old Radha, the dream of winning a medal for her country just got wings that day! Don’t miss that shy smile on little Pinki’s face as she was waiting to get hold of her goodey bag with lots of knick-knacks and delicious snacks contibuted by participating parents and volunteers (she was so adorable!).
And our young volunteers also took back something along- a lifelong learning.
When children learn to improve their communities, they develop the capacity to organize others. They acquire problem-solving, planning, time management, and marketing skills. They learn about local communities, NGOs etc.
Character education in the early years helps build strengths like honesty, responsibility, fairness, and compassion— internal assets that lead to happiness and well-being. These are the kinds of human qualities that foster responsible citizens, children who grow up to donate to food drives, recycle their trash, or help during a crisis.
Learning to give back to others is vital for positive youth development and here parents, schools, and communities play an important role.
No matter how young or old, everyone benefits by participating in such initiatives. We have the capacity to help children and teenagers become GREAT citizens — compassionate people who are responsible, organized, and innovative.
Perhaps this was the dream of a mother- Mrs Madhuri Mehta, who thinks like us and believes in encouraging children to serve others and be more kind, which will make them more fulfilled and mindful individuals.
#100DeedsOfKindness – it’s simple, involve yourself in 100 deeds in 365 days.
The idea behind this initiative is to involve children in small and simple acts of kindness in their homes, neighborhood, and communities. They believe that an act of Kindness can change someone’s day, make someone feel loved, inspire goodness and in turn shift the child’s outlook towards life.
Think you want your child to experience real happiness? Come and become a part of this drive! Enrol your child and share his acts of kindness. The enthusiastic team has already touched several lives through their visit to NGO ‘The Earth Saviours Foundation’, brought a smile to the brave firemen by handing over “Thank you” notes at the local Fire Station and arranged a hearty meal to the less privileged through a “Food Drive”. Click here to be a part of #100DeedsOfKindness.
Go Mommy!
You may also like to read “Kindness Counts”