Parenting for a Better Tomorrow: Building Character Through Community Service

It’s 2025!
Where has the time gone…

In a world where self-entitlement and individualism often overshadow community spirit, parenting with a focus on raising compassionate and responsible human beings is more important than ever. As a parent in a neighborhood with many older residents, I have taken a different approach to instill values of service, respect, and hard work in my children.

Many people have told me that I am too hard on my children because I expect them to do chores and help out around the house. From setting the table for dinner to feeding the chickens to doing the laundry both children are required to help. There are no gender-specific chores in our house, everyone has to learn to be self-sufficient. I believe that chores are more than just tasks to be completed; they are opportunities to teach responsibility, accountability, and the value of contributing to the household. By involving my children in daily chores, I am preparing them to become adults who understand the importance of hard work and teamwork.

Living in a neighborhood where the majority of residents are over the age of 65 has provided a unique opportunity for my children to learn about community service. I encourage my kids to help our neighbors by bringing in trashcans, shoveling snow, raking leaves, and mowing lawns—not just for our family, but for everyone on our block. I have taught them to offer their help without expecting anything in return, understanding that our neighbors are often on fixed incomes. This has not only fostered a sense of duty but has also created a supportive and caring community.

Despite teaching my children not to expect rewards for their service, our neighbors have often shown their appreciation through small tokens of gratitude—whether it’s money, snacks, or assistance with school projects. This reciprocity has shown my children the power of kindness and the positive impact of helping others. My children have learned extensively about our neighbors’ lives through interviews for school projects, learning more about local history than they ever do in school. Our neighbors have helped with building projects that my husband lacks the patience to support. We share recipes and excess (i.e., fruits, veggies, or bulk foods) when we experience abundance. These rewards are greater than any monetary gift because my children walk around saying they have multiple grandparents that aren’t theirs by blood, but by choice.

In our household, the option to say “no” to helping someone in need does not exist. This approach may seem harsh to some, but it is a fundamental part of our core family values. I believe that too many children today are allowed to “opt-out” of being good people because it doesn’t feel right or convenient. By not giving my children this option, I am instilling in them the importance of empathy, generosity, and the willingness to lend a helping hand.

I have lost a few friends along the way because they believe I push my kids too hard. However, I see the bigger picture: my children are growing into individuals who are willing to help those in need, without hesitation. They are growing up to be decent human beings who will do hopefully some good in this world. The only downside is that they sometimes lack patience for peers who do not hold themselves to the same standards.

This is a challenge we continue to navigate, but I am proud of the values my children uphold.

Let’s take a step back from the hustle and bustle of modern life and focus on the fundamental values that can shape a better tomorrow. Encourage your children to lend a helping hand, be it within your home or in your community. By fostering a spirit of generosity and responsibility, we can raise the next generation to be compassionate, thoughtful, and active members of society. Share your own experiences and inspire others to join this movement of back-to-basics parenting. Together, we can make a positive impact—one good deed at a time.