Video:Volunteer with Your Tween

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Transcript:Volunteer with Your Tween

Hi, I'm Ben Hess, for About.com. Having your 9-12 year old tween volunteer is a win win win – they'll build a sense of character & self-esteem, you'll have a chance to bond with your child as you're working with them, and of course, there's the recipient of all this good effort. But which volunteer project is right for your tween – and for you? To help your child choose, let's consider three factors.

Number One - What is your child interested in?

What hobbies do they have? Music, art, sports, reading? Naturally, they'll enjoy the volunteer experience if its something they're excited about. Set aside an hour to brainstorm, have your list of ideas and list of criteria, and then rank a top three – Animal welfare? Community development? Alternative transportation? Be sure to consider criteria like location – indoors or outdoors? Or time of day or frequency? Is it weekly, monthly, or semi-monthly?

Number two - Does your tween want to work independently or within a group?

Your child may want your help to get started on their volunteer project, but then work independently. Or perhaps they'll want to work side by side over a period of time. Try to have an honest conversation with your child about their preferences – and try not to project your desires on their decision.

Number three - What's the best time of year for a volunteer project?

Holiday time frame, around the school year, or concentrated during the summer? While a tremendous amount of volunteering occurs during Christmas or Hanukkah season, those same charities need support year round. And be sure to keep their transportation needs in mind, like with any other extracurricular activity, you'll end up being the taxi!

Regardless what you and your tween choose, the important thing is that you choose something and see it through. Thanks for watching. There's more online, check us out - parenting.about.com.