Real Answers for Real Life with Kids
1. I have two young children less than 4 years of age and I want to start volunteering. Where is a great place that I can volunteer and still be able to bring my children?
I had that exact same dilemma several years ago, but the urge to volunteer was so strong that I HAD to find something! So, after much research and phone calls later, I found that Meals-On-Wheels was a great place for my little ones and me to start. You can bring your children with you in the car to deliver the meals. Each child can take a turn holding the food in the car and bringing the food items to the door of the recipient.
This is a fantastic opportunity to teach them about the importance of giving and sharing. They can also learn about topics such as illness, the elderly, diversity, and various socioeconomic situations within the community. Your trip usually would include delivering meals to 5-10 different homes/people within a 5 mile radius. Our entire morning of volunteering with Meals-On-Wheels would take anywhere from 45-90 minutes depending on the weather and how many meals we had to deliver that morning.
Log online at www.mealcall.org and get more information about this wonderful organization and the programs in your area! In our home town Orlando, you can contact them at 7001 Ravenna Ave. Orlando, Fl 32819 (407)352-2617.
2. My children dislike going to church. Every time we go, they act up and/or whine the entire time. Frankly, I feel like leaving them at home so I can go to church in peace. What can I do?
Yes, church is a challenge for children to “want” to go to. There are so many reasons that children may not enjoy going to “Sunday service.” Depending on the ages of your children, have you tried to ask them why they don’t like going? It may be that the service is too early or that church is “boring” and they don’t understand why they must go.
If they say that it’s too early, then by all means, attend the later service. Make sure that your children have a good night sleep the night before and that they have eaten a good breakfast. Just like going to school, you want to make sure they are not tired or hungry. As you know, both can contribute to being cranky or disruptive at church and elsewhere.
Also, you may want to consider going to a service that has readings, services or special programs geared to children such as a “Children’s Mass” in the Catholic religion. In this service, all the readings, the songs, the prayers, even the sermon is tailored to the children. Everything is lighter and told with the children in mind.
You may also want to review with them proper behavior expected during the services. Discussing their behavior ahead of time and what is expected of them could be helpful. Maybe even going over the readings before the service with them could make things go more smoothly. If all else fails, it won’t hurt for you to have them bring a book of their own so they may look at it during the service. I’m sure God won’t mind that they are reading Winnie the Pooh instead of the Bible…
Meet one of our “regular” experts, Suzette Boyette, who will be contributing articles and answering important questions here on the YoMedics™ website. Enjoy Suzette’s warmth and humor in her real answers to real life with kids. Look for more answers on the YoMedics™ website with Suzette and our other “regular” experts!
Suzette C. Boyette, ARNP
Founder
Parents Everywhere, Inc., www.parentseverywhere.com
