Children seem to be born with a desire to serve others.  Even a 2-year-old will automatically comfort a crying baby by sharing a toy.  Take advantage of this eagerness and give them ideas on different and simple ways to serve their family and community.  Share our church’s new mission statement: “Making disciples of Jesus Christ who love God, love others, and serve the world.”  Explain that serving the world starts right in our own home and neighborhood.
 
Helper’s Box — On slips of paper, have kids write or draw a picture of a way to serve each family member.  Then place the slips in a decorated shoebox.  For example, kids might write, “Make Mom’s bed,” “Give a hug” or “Do the dishes.”  Each morning kids can choose a slip of paper and serve someone that day.  Periodically have kids come up with new ideas to add to their boxes.
 
Love Language — Discuss with kids how service is doing what someone else needs, not simply doing what we like to do for others.  Then ask kids to identify meaningful ways they can show love to their families.  Have kids create a service plan for the following week and keep a short journal of people’s reactions to their acts of service.  Share reports around the dinner table each night or at the end of the week.
 
Volunteer to read.  Libraries and schools are always looking for volunteer readers.  Offer to staff your public library’s reading hour with families from your church or encourage kids to help younger readers at their schools outside regular classes.
 
Be a good neighbor.  Older kids can help neighbors by weeding, mowing, painting, house sitting or pet sitting.  Preschoolers enjoy leaving flowers or handmade cards on doorsteps.
 
Give something special.  Encourage families to clean closets by giving gently-used clothing and toys directly to our Mission Center or a family in need.
 
Pray for a target — Pick one location each month and have kids pray for the people living in that city, town, state or country.  Let kids do some research about the area and find specific things they might want to pray for.  OR pick a different family on your street to pray for each week.  Pray the names of the family if you know them, or pray for needs you know they might have.  But specifically pray that God will show you how to love them as God loves us.
 
Teacher’s helper — Have children think of ways to help their teacher or school.  Maybe sharpen a batch of pencils or pick up trash or bake a batch of cookies in appreciation.  Then do these acts of service without asking for recognition.  Make sure to tell your children that God knows what they did and He loves their kind heart.