The Importance of Interdependence for Children
As a parent, I have often held the goal of raising children that are independent and self-reliant. It is an excellent goal; however, I also want kids who understand and thrive in interdependence, which may be a more useful long-term goal for our children.
Being part of a healthy community can bring an important sense of self worth for young people. I want my children to know that they inherently bring value to a community and space, and I also want them to appreciate and show gratitude for the value others bring as well. By volunteering and practicing gratitude, I hope as a parent that my children grow to see the gifts they bring to a community and also show gratitude for the gifts they are offered.
With gratitude,
– MiaLisa Millares, Executive Director
ACTIONS
Encourage children to practice and recognize interdependence with these kindness actions focused on forming community connections:
24 Quick Acts of Kindness
Use this quick guide to spread kindness in many different ways throughout your community. Try to do all 24 over the course of a month!
Design Tear-Off Posters
Spread some love and positivity around your community by spreading kindness through these easy to make tear-off poster templates. Sometimes, we all need a little extra kindness and this is an easy way to brighten someone’s day.
Craft Forever Flowers
Create lovely tissue paper flowers for a neighbor and write a sweet note to brighten their day. This service project is easy and a great way to connect with your community.
Beyond Our Neighbors
Children are often naturally kindhearted, always quick to offer a hug or share their toys with a friend. As they grow older, however, they can become more self-focused and less inclined to think about others. That's why it's so important for parents to encourage their children to reach out beyond their immediate family and friends to inspire kindness. Use our “Beyond Our Neighbors” curriculum, made in collaboration with Making Caring Common, a project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education to help children engage with the larger community, learn the value of helping people in need, and begin to develop a sense of empathy. They can also gain a better understanding of the many different cultures and backgrounds that make up our world. Moreover, by inspiring others to be kind, children can help create a more compassionate society for all.
Volunteer Listings
Are you looking for opportunities in your area to volunteer with your kids? Check out our free volunteer listings. Simply subscribe to the list and receive a free monthly email that details of a number of different opportunities in your community to give back as a family.
CONVERSATIONS
Use these conversation prompts to start conversations about the importance of community in your life.
What gifts do you have to share with your community?
What do others bring to our community that you value?
How can you learn from being a part of a community?
How can you give back to a community of importance to you?
What is one way you would like to contribute to your community this month?
READ
Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
This story is a bit like Stone Soup in reverse. Omu (pronounced Ah-moo) creates a stew so tasty, her neighbors can’t help but ask for a bowl. Her gracious giving leaves Omu with an empty pot at dinner time. But, don’t worry, her generosity hasn’t gone unnoticed! This beautiful story not only shows the importance of gratitude, but also the beauty of community.
INSPIRATION
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
— Mahatma Gandhi