Parenting your college student how to think out side of themselves can be a daunting task. This may especially be difficult if this is a new concept to them. It actually is very easy if your student has been exposed to community service through out their childhood. As your child enters the transformation period from immature teenager into emerging adult there can be some resistance. Parenting "to give first" so that they "may receive later" is a lesson that is best taught by example.



It can be surprising that teenagers and college students actually enjoy community service and do it well. This is demonstrated by Fraternities and Sororities who donate over 10 Million service hours per year. This is the largest network of volunteers in the U.S.A. That's pretty cool.

If you have been a positive role model for your child over the first seventeen years of your student's life, then the foundation for volunteerism as a way to give to those less fortunate is already in place. It is actually enjoyable to do community service as a family. Many families take on a project or adopt another family to help. This is a wonderful way to instill volunteerism.

When parenting college students on the benefits of volunteerism, Moms and Dads can give specific examples of how the volunteer work they were involved in during their own college or early adult years enhanced their sense of self-worth and self-esteem. Additionally, the meaningful volunteer activities may have kept them focused and away from such self-destructive behaviors as binge drinking and late night parties. The results may also have led to individual excellence and outstanding scholarship in course accreditation.

Parenting College Students - Volunteer Opportunities

In parenting college students, parents need to remind their children that they should always be building their resume. There is no reason to have a blank resume on graduation. If you have not had work experience, then fill that resume with volunteer experiences. Volunteer experience is looked upon favorably during the evaluation of resumes for employment. Potential employers look at volunteers favorably. Everyone looks on volunteers favorably.

Volunteering is more that improving your resume, it is making a difference, giving back, meeting different people and finding out, it just feels good. That's why students and adults alike should always be involved in a volunteer project.

When exploring the campus, parents can help students find volunteer centers. Usually there are plenty of posters advertising requests for volunteers. Getting involved is a great way to meet a different group of students. Campuses are so large, you could be missing the opportunity to meet that best friend who goes to class on the other side of campus.

The Student Activity Center and school bulletin boards are great sources of information of groups looking for volunteer assistance. The school disability office is another center located on campus that needs volunteers. They need note takers and office workers. You will discover this amazing group of people.

Parenting College Students - Volunteerism is a Winning Strategy

The non-profit sector presents many opportunities for college students not only to devote their time and talents to the needy, but also to gain insight and discover an interest in a field of endeavor. In discussions parents can share with their children how many a career has been initiated by volunteering for a cause. Reading to a developmentally disabled adult or child with special needs could very well nurture a burgeoning interest in the field of service to the disabled.

Parents can emphasize that they value volunteering one's services for a worthwhile cause, whether it is the Habitat for Humanity, local church or synagogue, or the neighborhood community. We know employers like to see a person's character outlined in the resume, and we know volunteerism is a sure way to impress a potential employer. Volunteerism is also an exceptional way to transfer familial core values from concept into action.

To be a volunteer is an important part of the maturation cycle. A student grows as a person, makes social contacts that are meaningful and they learn that making a difference feels good. The by product is, Always Be Building Your Resume.