what do you think? - volunteering at homeless shelter

momof2girls wrote: Before I had kids I used to volunteer for homeless dinners for Thanksgiving and xmas, It just made me feel good although it broke my heard I felt like I was doing something good to help someone... well since Azaria was born I have not done it.
I was thinknig about doing it this year and taking her with me, the reason is she is spoiled rotten and does not really realize there are people out there they dont have a bed or food, so I want her to see first hand she is nine now, she has a great heart and one side of me wants her to learn early to help people and see how lucky we are.
but my hubby thinks she is too young to do that... what do you think?
All we would be doing is helping prepare food....

Jamison'smama replied: I personally don't think she is too young--would he feel more comfortable if she went to a woman's shelter? Maybe volunteering another way would be better since the shelters are usually pretty well taken care of on major holidays. I was a counselor at a domestic violence shelter for 3 years--prior to Jamison and there are many ways that someone Azaria's age could volunteer---some kids made treat bags for the children in the shelter for halloween---donating their own candy or getting other candy--making Easter baskets for the kids at the shelter, bake cookies or bread for the woman--she could donate a toy from her birthday party --my niece had a birthday party where she had all the kids bring a gift to donate to their local shelter instead of giving her gifts since she needed NOTHING--it was a very selfless act. Just some suggestions---

Anyway, just some suggestions---I think volunteering is a great idea--I think it's wonderful that you want to get her involved--way to go mom---you're a great example.

momof2girls replied:
Those are great idea's and I used to do it not only on Holidays, I would get to talk to some of the people and I would have to go in the bathroom to cry, some stories broke my heart, its so easy to become homeless I dont think most people realize that. Most of the people were good people that had bad things happen, alot were ill with no family.
Some were drunks and addicted to drugs, I did not feel as sorry for them...

thanks that made me feel better

I dont want her to think life is just what she see's at home... I want her to kinda know whats out there.....
She is growing up totally diff then me, she does not know what divorce is, or a mixed or step family...
I knew all that by the time I was 4!

kit_kats_mom replied: I think it's a great idea!

I do seem to recall having a really wierd experience at a nursing home when I was near that age though. We went with Girl scouts and one old guy there had a really big head (hydroencephelitus or something?) I don't know what he had but it FREAKED me out big time. I still refuse to be around really old people. They make me nervous. I know it stupid but I can't help it.

Perhaps if you explained to her ahead of time what she may encounter, and why she's doing it, it would ease some of those issues.

Boys r us replied: I think it would be a great idea!!! Children are never too young to learn life lessons like that!

kimberley replied: i agree! never too young to learn how to give a helping hand. i think it is a wonderful thing to teach your daughter

A&A'smommy replied: That is a hard one.... I guess it would depend on how mature she is and whether you think she is ready for it. I would LOVE to do something like that so I say if you think she is ready go for it.

MommyToAshley replied: I think it is a great idea .... I don't think she is too young and I think it would be a valuable lesson and experience for her. I wonder if part of your DH's concern is for her safety and how well you would be able to keep an eye on her while volunteering. If that is the case, Jamison'smama had some excellent suggestions.

Kaitlin'smom replied: I think its a great idea, I did things like that when I was a teenager. I hope to get Kaitlin involed with many things so she is well rounded....

coasterqueen replied: I think it's a great idea too! Definitely never too young to learn lessons like that. Even if you didn't want to do it on a holiday, what about your local breadline to volunteer? Around here we have a "breadline" that people who are very poor can come to to get food. I volunteered once a week one summer. We served them a nice meal and even sat and chatted with them once everyone was served.

RachelsMomma replied: I agree with everyone else. Azaria will learn so much from the experience.

momof2girls replied: Im a way over paranoid over protective mom, she would not be out of my sight because to be honest most of the people are harmless but there are some that are a lil uh not right in the head, alot do drugs and stuff...
We also talked about not doing during a holiday they usually get enough volunteers for that.

thanks for all your comments and idea's!!!