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Kids
Fun for Families, Help for Others
By Sylvia Alloway
When parents plan summer activities for the family, they generally think of fun or educational destinations. But what about a project that offers both and in addition would teach children the value of helping others? With some research and preparation you and your children can learn the rewards of selflessness in a practical way.
Start locally. Do you know of a neighbor or a friend who is ill, disabled or elderly? Find out what needs they have and ask what you can do to fill them. You might cook a meal or bake something and bring it to them; do some yard work; walk pets; or take them grocery shopping. Providence Hospitals* (St. Joseph or Holy Cross) Volunteers can help you find needy individuals.
Divide up the jobs so the young people know exactly what their part is. Younger children might carry unbreakable food containers when you deliver a meal. Older children might each take part of a shopping list and fan out into the market to save time gathering groceries.
A retirement home may be your best bet for children 5-8. Some facilities have weekly or monthly days when residents gather to meet and talk to visitors. Some even have "toddler days." Find out what local homes have these gatherings and when. Keep in mind the attention span of younger children and don't stay too long. You might start with fifteen or twenty minutes and then try extending each visit a little.
Soup kitchens and food pantries are a direct way to serve others. Most missions do not accept volunteers younger than teenage. However, they may make an exception for a child 9-12 accompanied by a parent or parents. Check individual houses of worship or the Valley Food Bank, and its branches, which often have their own food programs. These would be more likely to allow children and their parents to help.
If you belong to, or would like to form a music or drama group, there are many places that bring in performers for their residents. This needn't be anything huge or complicated. A family with a guitar, or a group of kids acting out their own versions of fairy tales would be welcome. Be sure to rehearse carefully. Put in your best effort and practice hard. These people deserve your top performance
Seek out a larger organization. A church or denomination (Lutheran Social Services, Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles), a service club, or your Chamber of Commerce can advise you as to opportunities. Ask about the possibility of children making greeting cards or other art work for hospitals or care facilities. Seek out literacy programs, read to or play with children in the pediatric ward, link up with activities for the handicapped such picnics or craft projects. National Charity League, Inc. San Fernando Valley Chapter offers mother/daughter projects.
There are more avenues of service for children over the age of twelve. Older youth may choose a place or project where they feel they could do the most good. But don't just drop them off. Make it a family effort. Working together will not only help, but give the family a chance to relate to each other instead of the TV or computer.
There are some concerns of which parents should be aware. The staff members of hospitals and other facilities are too busy to keep track of your children. Set down rules and review them with the family before you go. Younger children need to stay in sight of Mom or Dad at all times, and parents need to stay vigilant. The whole family must know the rules of your destination - where they are and are not allowed to go, when to wash hands, etc. If given a direction by a staff member ("Clear the way!" "Not in there," etc.), they should obey it right away. Show good manners and respect in language and behavior to everyone.
Maintain a positive attitude. Treat service as a privilege. If Mom and Dad stay cheerful and sympathetic, kids will get the idea. They may even come up with their own projects for next year.
Websites:
Valley Food bank
http://www.erescuemission.org/vfb-about.shtml
Lutheran Social Services
http://www.lsssc.org/
Jewish Family Service http://www.jfsla.org/index.php?/volunteer/
National Charity League, Inc. San Fernando Valley Chapter
http://www.nclsfv.org/
http://www.providence.org/LosAngeles/Facilities/Providence_Saint_Joseph/default.htm
Summer Fun with Your Kids
By Joan Russell
Summer is a time to relax and find some fun interesting activities to do with your kids.
There is much more for kids to do than just sit at home in front of the TV and watch videos or television programs.
Start with the local public library nearest you. Visit the library at least once a week and see what they offer for reading programs for boys and girls over 10. Most libraries will have a reading program or club. Some book clubs require kids to read between 10 to 20 books over the summer. They offer prizes and incentives to participate. If not the library will have a list of books and suggestions for what may interest your child depending on whether they are boys or girls. Reading is a great way to spend free time in the summer. There are audio books for children that don't like to read maybe they will enjoy listening to books on tape. It is an alternative for those stubborn I don't like to read kids. Graphic novels are popular with teens and many libraries have a teen section.
Do an activity once a week in the kitchen. Open up a cookbook and teach your kids to cook simple recipes. Show them how to use a cutting board and knife safely. Teach them to make a simple sandwich, French toast, hamburgers, and perhaps your favorite recipe. Show them how to use a stove, microwave and kitchen tools safely. Most activities can take at least an hour and you are going to cook anyway. If they have friends make some snacks and have a small party. You can show them how to use a measuring spoon, and cups in recipes. Cooking teaches math, reading and listening skills.
Low cost water parks are becoming popular in metropolitan areas. They are often located at your local park in town. The late afternoon is a good time and fewer kids go at that time. Local parks turn on sprinklers and some have water fountains to play in. Some cities and towns have public pools that are inexpensive place for kids to swim. Some offer swimming lessons but you must sign up early. Many areas have season passes for families to state parks and lakes. This is a cheaper way to go swimming all summer without a fee each time you enter the park. Swimming is a cool, healthy inexpensive way to pass time in the summer. It one of the most fun ways to exercise in the heat.
Day camps in your area may offer many fun interesting activities that you sign up for a week at a time. You can send the kids for one or two weeks. The programs are offered by recreation centers and community organizations for half a day. Activities like sailing, swimming, sports, crafts, hiking, and more are offered. They offer fun inexpensive ways for your kids to learn new skills and socialize with others.
Walk with your kids every day early in the morning or later in the evening when it cools off. Walk through town and observe the buildings and architecture of the houses. You can even take photos on your walks. Check into local state parks for hiking trails and when you have time take a day and go hiking. It should be relatively cool not hot. Hiking is an expensive stress free way to exercise and observe nature.
If you have a garden have your kids help you with the garden. Give them some chores like watering the flowers or weeding on weekly basis. They can plant some flowers; herbs or vegetables then care for them as they grow. Vegetables are good because you can use it in a recipe. Have a chart and make sure they do what they are supposed to. You can have a reward for completing the chores like going to the movie on the weekend at the local cinema.
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