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Thank you Allstate for sponsoring this post. I chose to write this post because doing good in local communities is at Allstate’s core.
With 2 boys in high school, I’m beginning to realize the importance of inspiring and empowering kids to make a difference starting at an early age. It’s very easy to get wrapped up in all the things that teenagers do wrong, but it’s also an incredible age to really see how it’s possible for them to change the world. I’m teaming up with Allstate because the dedication to the communities where they live and work is core to who they are. They believe that young people aren’t waiting for change to happen – they’re creating it. Allstate really believes that the future is bright. They inspired me to think about the ways that we, as parents, can inspire and empower our kids to make a difference. Even at a young age.
As you can see in this sweet video, by lending their hands, hearts, and voices to their communities, youth are not only making a change, but they’re also building critical social and emotional learning skills like problem-solving, empathy and teamwork. These skills will help ensure their future success.
Ways to Inspire and Empower Kids to Make a Difference
- Start early with young ones by allowing your kids to participate in good deeds that are age appropriate. Even something as simple as picking up extra trash when you’re out on a hike (or “adventure walk” as we used to call them) helps start great habits.
- Take them out into different types of communities. Let them see what’s going on around them and what might need extra help from the surrounding areas. I love that Allstate believes in youth empowerment. One of the ways they look to inspire the next generation is through community projects that empower young people to become the next generation of leaders and change-makers. Kids won’t be able to dream up new ideas and solutions without being in the community.
- Show them what (and WHO) community is by participating in local events, both charitable and fun. I love to try and fit this in when we’re traveling as well.
- Let them research on their own when they become interested in something. A phrase commonly repeated at our house for MANY years has been “why don’t we look up more information on that” after the boys ask a question about something we don’t quite know the answer to. We do this a lot when driving around town when we wonder what a building is or what’s being worked on in an empty field.
- Participate with them, especially if it’s an activity or event that they’ve chosen. There’s nothing better than your family getting excited about something that you’re passionate about.
- Get them a notebook to jot down their ideas. Encourage them to draw or write ideas as you drive around running errands throughout the year. This is a great idea for a family project as well.
- Giving them responsibilities at home helps build confidence. Even something as small as growing herbs or being in charge of recycling.
- Be an example. Show your kids what you’re passionate about by taking time to do things throughout the week or month.
- Practice random acts of kindness as a family. Small things can be so quick and simple but will help remind your kids that even small things can make big differences.
- Help them come up with ways to use their hobbies and passions to help others.
- As your kids get into high school, encourage them to record any time they spend helping around their communities. Not only will it help them feel good about how they’re spending their time, but it’s great for college applications too! There are several apps now that can help them keep track of their time.
Conversations with my boys
With both of my boys in high school, we’ve been having discussions on how they can make helping our community a habit in addition to earning community service hours for college applications. There’s something about knowing you can make a difference in your community and then actually doing and SEEING that difference. Brainstorming with them made me realize that they have some amazing thoughts and ideas. They are passionate about helping foster parents in our community (it helps that they know quite a few), and want to look into the schools in their district to see which ones have programs to help out students in need. They are also inspired to get in touch with the city to see if they offer programs that residents can help out with. We also talked about what to do when we see a problem, and how we can take steps towards solving that problem. We’ll be inquiring with the city to find out what we can do to help meet needs and do good in our community. That may even mean making our own website that the city can link to so residents can learn about ways to make a difference in our community!
I love hearing and seeing how companies are using their time, money, and energy to not only give back to their communities but also inspire others to do the same. Allstate is doing just that. Are your kids doing something to make a difference? Have you found any great ways to inspire or empower them? I’d love to hear!
This post was written as part of the Allstate Influencer Program and sponsored by Allstate. All opinions are mine. As the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, Allstate is dedicated not only to protecting what matters most–but to guiding people to live the Good Life, every day.
