Parents recognize it can be challenging to help children navigate a world seemingly dominated by “bad” news. Making sense of political rhetoric, international conflicts, and even domestic uprisings is difficult. Making time to highlight the positive actions people take in their communities can help.

Famed children’s show host Fred Rogers once noted how he confronted a world that could seem like it was in bad shape.

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping,’” said Rogers.

Those “helpers” are the good Samaritans, the first responders and the volunteers who put others before themselves in the name of doing good.

Children can learn early on how to give back to their communities through volunteerism. Volunteering lets kids see things from others’ perspective, instilling a sense of empathy that can benefit them throughout their lives. A higher level of compassion can help children interact better with peers and offer them a better perspective of the world. Parents can consider these strategies to foster a love of volunteering in children.

Be a role model. Children are inspired by their parents and learn how to follow their lead. If children see their parents as active volunteers, they may be more likely to volunteer themselves. According to Volunteers of America, when a parent or guardian is involved, a child often looks forward to the volunteer activity even more.

Make it a routine. Children go to school or sports on a consistent schedule, and a structured schedule can be advantageous to kids. A consistent volunteering schedule can help children keep a routine during times when moments may be unstructured, such as summers and weekends.

Figure out kids’ interests. A volunteer opportunity can align with kids’ hobbies or passions to make it more likely that children will remain engaged with volunteering.

Make it fun. Volunteering shouldn’t be a chore for children. Incorporate challenges or games into volunteer efforts, like who can pick up the most litter or make the most sandwiches at a food pantry. This can make it fun.

Find an easy activity. Tailor activities to kids’ attention spans. A quick activity like picking out a gift for an underprivileged child can be done in a jiffy, while other activities can take all day.

Celebrate their efforts. Reward kids for their volunteerism. Acknowledge their accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. This may help kids be more enthusiastic about getting involved.