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It’s human nature to help other people. It feels good to do a good deed, make someone smile, hear a “thank you,” or get a pat on the back.
When you were little, your mom and dad may have taught you the importance of helping by asking you to “help” with dinner or “help” in the yard, even though you were so little it would probably have been easier for them to do it themselves.
If volunteering is something you have always done with your family, you know how rewarding it is, and that it helps you see that people are more alike than different. Volunteering is also a great way to make friends with people you would normally never meet otherwise.
As you get older, your help really makes an important contribution to your family and among your friends, and can make a real difference in daily life, in your community, and even in the world.
There are many ways, big and small, to help others. Here are some small things that can make a big impact:
• Carry the grocery bags into the house for your mom without her having to ask.
• Donate the toys and clothing you’ve outgrown to a family shelter instead of throwing them away.
• Recycle.
• Read to the kindergartners in the aftercare program at school.
• Take your little brother to the park so your parents can go for a walk together.
• Write a letter to a member of the military.
• Sweep the porch for your grandparents.
• Pay a stranger a compliment.
• Lend a friend a listening ear.
When you take the initiative to help others, you show that you are growing up to be a fine young lady and an overall good human being.
YOU DO
Answer a request for help affirmatively and cheerfully unless there is a very good reason you cannot.
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YOU DON’T
Slam dishes down if your mother’s request to set the table interrupts your phone call or television show, or kick balls around the garage if your dad asks you to put away all the sports equipment.
Why
Do you really need to be reminded how much your parents have done for you since even before you were born? Your mother would probably be agreeable if you asked permission to set the table as soon as the show is over, as long as you keep your word.
YOU DO
Offer assistance to people with physical challenges.
YOU DON’T
Insist on helping if they decline your offer.
Why
Just as you would open and hold the door for anyone, you would offer the same courtesy to someone who is blind or in a wheelchair. You do not need to push the wheelchair or lead the blind person through the door. If they are in need of further assistance they will let you know how you can help.
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A lady does not make her parents ask twice for help.
A lady does not let other people down.
A lady puts herself in other people’s shoes.
A lady helps even when no one will know she has.
A lady does not keep a scorecard of helpful things she has done.
A lady knows that helping others is its own reward.