The Mental Wellness Benefits of Volunteering for School-Aged Children over the Holidays

The holiday season presents an excellent opportunity for children to engage in volunteer work, which can have a lasting impact on their mental and emotional well-being. By helping those in need, children learn valuable life skills, develop empathy, and strengthen their sense of purpose. While the focus of volunteering is often on helping others, the benefits for the children involved are just as profound.

Dr. Gail Saltz, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital, states, “When children volunteer, they gain a unique chance to build self-esteem, manage stress, and connect meaningfully with others.” Volunteering during the holidays can be especially impactful, as it provides kids with hands-on opportunities to practice kindness and gratitude. Here are five specific mental wellness benefits that school-aged children can gain from volunteering during this season.

1. Improves Self-Esteem and Confidence

Volunteering allows children to step outside of their comfort zones, try new tasks, and see the positive impact they can have on others. Completing volunteer activities and receiving appreciation from those they help can significantly boost their self-confidence. “Children who volunteer often feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities,” says Dr. Jennifer Powell-Lunder, clinical psychologist and author of Teenage as a Second Language. This boost in self-esteem helps children feel more capable and confident in all areas of life.

2.Builds Social Skills and Empathy

Volunteering introduces children to people from different backgrounds, allowing them to practice compassion and understanding. By working alongside other volunteers or directly interacting with those they’re helping, children gain social skills and learn to empathize with others’ experiences. This experience is crucial in developing emotional intelligence, which supports their interpersonal relationships both now and in the future.

3. Reduces Feelings of Loneliness and Stress

Engaging in volunteer work can be a powerful antidote to stress and loneliness, which even school-aged children can feel during the holiday season. “Helping others brings about a feeling of belonging and satisfaction, which can offset stress and reduce feelings of isolation,” says Dr. Lisa Damour, psychologist and author of Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood. For children who may feel disconnected or anxious, volunteering provides a constructive outlet for these emotions, helping them feel grounded and supported.

5. Increases a Sense of Purpose and Gratitude

Volunteering gives children a chance to see the difference they can make, instilling a deep sense of purpose and gratitude. Seeing firsthand the challenges others face can help children appreciate their own blessings, while the act of giving fosters a positive outlook on life. Studies show that practicing gratitude is linked to improved mental well-being and resilience. When children contribute to their communities, they experience the joy of giving, which reinforces their self-worth and cultivates a generous mindset.

5. Enhances Emotional Resilience and Coping Skills

When children participate in volunteer activities, they sometimes face challenges, such as learning patience or managing their emotions while helping others. These experiences can improve their emotional resilience, teaching them valuable coping skills they’ll use throughout life. By witnessing how others navigate difficulties, they gain perspective on handling their own challenges. Volunteering thus becomes a practice in empathy and emotional strength, empowering kids to approach obstacles with confidence.

Tips for Helping Children Get Started with Volunteering

To get started, it’s helpful to find volunteer activities that align with your child’s interests. Many children love animals, so helping at a local animal shelter can be rewarding. Kids who enjoy arts and crafts might like making holiday cards for seniors or creating decorations for community centers. Encourage them to talk about their experience afterward, as reflecting on what they enjoyed or found challenging helps reinforce the positive impact of their actions.

Making Volunteering a Family Tradition

Volunteering as a family offers additional benefits by strengthening family bonds and creating meaningful memories together. By modeling kindness and compassion, parents can inspire children to continue volunteering throughout their lives, fostering values that contribute to a healthier, more empathetic community.

Involving children in volunteering during the holidays nurtures their sense of empathy, resilience, and self-worth, all of which play essential roles in mental wellness. Through acts of kindness and generosity, children can experience the true spirit of the holidays, creating a ripple effect that benefits them and those around them.

Written by Jacob Farrar, Director of University Relations.