Teach Them to Serve Before Social Media Teaches Them to Envy

Hey Future Way Makers!

In a world that often focuses on personal success, it’s more important than ever to teach our children the value of serving others. By showing our kids how to serve, we’re not just encouraging compassion—we’re helping them understand their role in the broader community and how they can make a difference.

Why Serving Others Matters

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." — Mark 10:45

This powerful verse reminds us that Jesus Himself modeled the ultimate example of service. By teaching our children to serve, we are helping them follow in His footsteps and live out God’s teachings.
Serving others teaches children empathy, compassion, and humility. It helps them see beyond themselves and understand the needs of others. By encouraging our kids to take action in ways that help others, we guide them toward becoming kind-hearted leaders who make a positive impact in their community.

Start Small, Make a Big Difference

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." — 1 Peter 4:10

God calls us to use our unique gifts to serve others. Teaching our children to serve helps them discover and use their gifts for the good of those around them.
Service doesn’t have to be grand to be impactful. Here are some simple ways to get your family started:

1. Acts of Kindness at Home: Encourage your children to look for ways to serve within your own family. It could be something as simple as making breakfast for a sibling or helping clean up without being asked. These small acts build a foundation of caring for others.

2. Community Outreach: Find ways to get involved in your community. Whether it’s volunteering at a local food bank, helping a neighbor with yard work, or donating toys and clothes, these experiences help kids understand the impact they can have on others’ lives.

Generosity leads to blessings, both for those who give and those who receive. Let’s help our children understand that the joy of giving is one of the greatest rewards.

Make Service a Family Activity
Incorporate service into your family routine. Maybe every month, you can pick a service project to do together—like preparing care packages, visiting an elderly home, or organizing a donation drive. When children see their parents serving joyfully, it becomes a part of who they are.

Modeling the Joy of Service

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2

Serving others is about carrying each other’s burdens and showing compassion, just as Christ showed us. When we model this behavior, we’re teaching our children to live out God’s love in a tangible way.
One of the most powerful ways to teach service is to model it yourself. Let your children see you lending a hand to those in need, treating others with kindness, and going out of your way to help. Talk to them about why you do it—about the joy it brings and the difference it makes.

Reflect Together
After any act of service, take time to reflect with your child. Ask questions like:

• “How did it feel to help someone today?”

• “What do you think that act of kindness meant to them?” Reflecting helps your child internalize the experience and connect it with their sense of purpose.

Action Step for Parents
This week, find one opportunity for your child to serve someone else. It could be at home, at school, or in the community. Encourage them to look for a need and take action. Afterwards, have a conversation about what they learned and how it made them feel.

Ready to Raise Compassionate, Service-Oriented Kids?
Remember, the joy of giving starts with us. Let’s teach our children that true leadership is about serving others, and that the smallest act of kindness can change someone’s day.

Together, let’s raise children who lead with love,
The Future Way Maker Team