If you have ever had kids in your home, you know it is common to wonder if the time you are investing in their lives is making a difference. I know my Mom often prayed that I would have a kid just like me, one who would not take no for an answer and would keep pushing until they got what they wanted. It took me awhile to admit how much I valued the time and sacrifices of my parents, but like me, most kids do in time value the time they get with their parents. It might be years down the road, but most kids finally realize the impact their parents made on them and how it has improved their ability to succeed in life.

Do you realize that kids learn how to handle stress from their parents? They also learn from their parents how to succeed, how to lose gracefully and to take a loss and turn it into a win. What I have learned is that kids learn much more from the actions of their parents then their words.

Most parents I know want to instill good values and a strong character in their kids. In the often craziness of life, how then do we instill these values and have fun with them at the same time?  One outstanding way is to plan family activities that include service projects in your community. This is a powerful way to “walk the walk” with your actions while emphasizing the importance of giving back. The Bible supports this notion with, “to whom much is given, much is required. “

You might be thinking, come on, my plate is already full, how could we possibly do such a thing as a family when we are so busy already. Let me assure you, adding a service project does not have to be a tedious and overwhelming activity. There is an ample amount of opportunities out there in your community. Here are four:

1. Go have fun at a local park but while you are there, make it a competition to see who can pick up the most tiny bits of litter in five minutes.
2. Offer to be a volunteer at a church family picnic and help the little kids enjoy the rides and games. Your own kids will enjoy playing with the little kids and appreciate seeing you (parent) helping other kids have fun.
3. Find an area along a lake, pond or river where erosion is happening and plant a tree. It will help hold back the erosion and you can have some fun doing a gardening project together and maybe have enough time to catch a fish.
4. Go down to the shelter or a children’s hospital and read your favorite books to needy children. Your kids can bring a book or two that were precious to them and they get to feel the joy of seeing another child laugh at the same things your kids laughed at when they experienced the book for the first time. Side note: Be careful though, your kids may want to adopt every kid at the shelter by the time you are done.

Family service projects are a hidden goldmine of fun and bonding for the whole family. Once you get started doing them, you will not want to stop. You will find the whole family rushing to get ready and looking forward to the next time they get to do one. How great would it be to build family unity, bond with your kids and help make a difference at the same time? Having fun through doing service is not only possible but it is a great way to model positive values, strong character and build solid family relationships. I strongly encourage you to consider integrating this into your family calendar in 2016. It will change your life.

God Bless,

Doug Hedrick