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HI parents! Our daughter, ten, has talked about us maybe helping out a underpriveleged child in our area. She wants almost a "little sister". We looked into big Buddy Program, but not sure that is for us. We also talked to some churches here about helping a child, but most of the churches here have big group Outreach Programs and my daughter just wants to "hang out" with a child who does not have the things we do, like a decent home and fun places. Anyone have any suggestions for us where to turn? We do not want to foster a child at this time, nor can we afford to adopt, we just want to help a needy child.
HI parents! Our daughter, ten, has talked about us maybe helping out a underpriveleged child in our area.
we just want to help a needy child.
It sounds pretty noble, but how would she do this in a natural buddy/friend way without making the "target" child feel like she's being made into a pal ONLY because she is needy? Most likely even the most underprivileged kids have kids in their own socioeconomic environment to hang out with.
What's this target kid going to think when [exaggerating for effect here] your ten year old kid dressed like a princess arrives in a pumpkin carriage driven by a chauffeur ?
Last edited by Jaded; 08-19-2013 at 08:03 PM..
Reason: Inappropriate picture in reply to the OP.
Sounds like a good time for a lesson about how you never know what someone's "real life" is like, and it's important to be friendly towards everyone because the kid sitting next to you in school might not be nearly as fortunate as she is. I wouldn't specifically seek out a low income friend, but encourage her to be friendly towards all in her path. When the holidays roll around, let her help you "adopt" a family and pick out Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas gifts. Right now you might be able to find an organization doing school supply drives, and fill a backpack for another child.
There is a reason organizations don't like to let children volunteer in face to face situations. It can make the underprivileged child feel embarrassed and uncomfortable to be helped by their peers.
I think there could be more problems than it's worth. The "needy" child may be more needy than you know. Everything might turn out great, but, imo, it's a risk easily avoided.
Yeah believe me we are not rich by any means but we really want to focus on one child like the big buddy program has. It just was not the right timing for the big buddy thing right now. Thanks for all the advice though!
why not start by having her go through her toys and giving them to a homeless or woman's shelter. you can encourage her to be as giving as she wants towards people that are not as fortunate as herself. you also might want to get her into more activities if you can't find an organization that suits your purpose.
I'd contact the Boys and Girls Club and YMCA in your area to see what activities they have for children in your area and take your daughter to some of the age-appropriate events they may offer. She may naturally meet a buddy there. I wouldn't assume that the "underprivileged" children will be a hassle or a problem. If you screen the situation, you'll be able to see for yourself if it's appropriate for your daughter and family. Big Brother Big Sister is a good program. You can see if they have one near your city and call to inquire about what you and your daughter can do. I believe they even have volunteer opportunities. Start Something for a child today - Big Brothers Big Sisters
This is a great thing you're considering. Good luck!
We tried something like this. It was easy to find underprivleged children since a lot of them lived in our neighborhood. We encouraged our daughters to play with and invite over a girl who lived in an apartment across the street. We felt she should have some friends who did not hit her. It did not work out too well. It was difficult to explain to our daughter(s) why little sister kept stealing everything from them (and us) and why she had to be strictly supervised every time she came around. Then when she started yelling F*$k every third word, we decided to terminate the relationship. We of course tried to discuss it with her and told her it was not acceptable, but her mom told us to F*$k off and stick our snotty rich people language up our a$$es. Her mom never liked us much. Still our girls stayed somewhat in touch with her through jr. high school when she got pregnant and dropped out of school. I am not sure what we were trying to accomplish with this idea, but I think we failed. Hopefully you will have a better plan and more definite idea of what you expect to do and will do a better job of it than we did. Whatever it was we were doing, we blew it.
Can't you talk your daughter into helping out children?..as opposed to one?
Well she already donates toys and does the Giving Tree every year so now she wants ho have a "little buddy" to do more one on one things with such as lunch with her, movies and things like that. It is hard to find that in this day and age with all the crazies out there!
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