5 Things Meals on Wheels taught my kids

We, like everyone else, love the summer fun list. This year we added to ours- instead of just being a list of things they want to indulge in, we told them to make a list of things they want to do AND ways to do good in the world. My kids are getting older (6 & 8 yrs) so I wanted to incorporate responsibility and compassion into every day. So often, it takes a tragedy to make people chip in and help. I don’t want my kids to think that we only help people after a disaster. I want them to understand the everyday struggles that people face, and to learn how to help. The other positive outcome is that my kids felt like they deserved the fun things on our summer list because they were working hard and doing good things.

A friend had told me that she and her daughter did Meals on Wheels together and loved it, so we started this summer. We’ve delivered around 200 meals to elderly people in Birmingham so far this summer. Usually it’s women who live alone and have mobility issues. Here’s what my kids have taken from it, in mostly their own words:

1. We’re not lazy and we’re not selfish. Hearing my kids say this made me really proud. There are times when they moan in the morning when I say we’re delivering, but it’s quickly followed by them realizing that staying home to play video games, swimming, shopping, etc are all things that don’t help anyone. We’ve had some amazing conversations about what kind of people we want to be, and how our actions (not intentions) determine that for us.

2. It doesn’t take much to make a difference. It takes us one hour to deliver the day’s meals, but we see around 12 people who smile and appreciate us.

3. It’s not about the food, it’s about the people. The elderly appreciate the food, but they LOVE seeing children. One of the most poignant conversations I’ve ever had with my son was because of a man on one of our routes. He wistfully looked at the kids and said, “To go back… to be that young… the things I would change…” It struck me. After we got back in the car, I discovered that my son understood what he meant and it had affected him as well. We had an amazing talk about regrets and how you only get one chance. We talked about making decisions, being thoughtful of choices, and so much more. I have no doubt: That day changed myson’s life, just a little bit, or maybe a huge amount.

4. Self-esteem!! Want to help kids build self-esteem? Let them be proud of making a difference. Mine carry food to the door- it isn’t hard. But at the end of each day, they count all of the people they helped. And I encourage them by telling them how proud I am that they are doing something.

5. Family is forever. One of our favorite stops is an elderly lady who always has the kids a piece of candy ready. We usually visit her last so we can stay for a few minutes and talk. Her stories are amazing and funny, and she is a delight to be around. The kids love her and she loves them. She keeps us updated on her many grandchildren and great grandchildren- how they are, what they’ve been doing, etc. My kids once told me that she is their favorite because she loves her family so much. Seeing her love for her family, her kindness… these are things we won’t find in a movie theater.

I can’t recommend it enough. Kids love it. It takes very little time and it is safe. It is so easy and flexible. You pick the days you want to help. You can do 1 hour per month or just pick up shifts here and there. For more information, click here.