As we acknowledge Children’s Week in Australia this October, we’re highlighting this year’s theme: “A Caring World Shares”. A diverse range of events and activities are organised at national, state and local levels. These focus the attention of the wider community on children, their rights and achievements. Children’s Week celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood. It is also a time for children to demonstrate their talents, skills and abilities.
This theme of sharing resonates deeply with family life. As parents and caregivers, we play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of compassionate citizens. The values we demonstrate and the examples we set today have a lasting influence on how our children will view and contribute to their communities.
Data shows that family history may be a predictor of future participation, with 70% of all volunteers having parents who also undertook voluntary work. In addition, most volunteers reported as being personally involved in a volunteering organisation or endeavour as a child.
But it’s not just about signing up for formal volunteering roles. It’s the everyday acts of kindness and community involvement that make a difference. When children see their parents, grandparents, or siblings lending a helping hand to a neighbour, participating in local clean-ups, or simply being there for a friend in need, they’re absorbing invaluable lessons about empathy, responsibility, and the joy of giving.
The beauty of this family legacy isn’t just in the actions themselves, but in the conversations and reflections that surround them. When we talk to our children about why we choose to help others, we’re not just explaining an activity, we’re sharing our worldview and our hopes for the kind of world we want to live in.
These moments of connection are where growth happens. A child’s eyes lighting up with understanding as they grasp the concept of making a difference. The pride in their voice as they share their own ideas for how to help. These are the building blocks of not just future volunteers, but of compassionate, engaged people who will shape our world for generations to come.
Get involved as a family
This Children’s Week, let’s recognise the important role we play as families in encouraging compassion and community involvement. Here are some practical ways to get started:
1. Make helping others a family activity. Whether it’s contributing to a landcare cleanup or simply checking in on an elderly neighbour, involve your children in acts of kindness.
2. Talk about your experiences. Share stories of times you’ve volunteered or helped others, and encourage your children to do the same.
3. Celebrate small acts of kindness. Recognise and praise your children when they show empathy or go out of their way to help someone.
4. Lead by example. Let your children see you engaging with your community, helping others, and being an active citizen.
5. Volunteer as a family. Volunteering as a family offers a unique opportunity to not only strengthen family bonds but also make a positive impact on the world.
By modelling volunteering and community engagement, we’re not just raising children – we’re shaping compassionate, thoughtful, and proactive citizens of tomorrow.
