April is National Volunteer Month, and volunteering as a family is a great way for parents to instill their values in their youngsters while strengthening the communities in which those children live. Volunteering may also provide additional benefits, such as mental health benefits.

Family-friendly volunteering opportunities abound. Whether it is helping those in need, exploring one's inner artist, or helping to keep local parks clean, the opportunities for families to give back together are numerous.

The role of charitable organizations that feed those in need has been highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic fallout of the pandemic has been significant, as tens of millions of people lost their jobs and, subsequently, their ability to feed themselves and their families. Local food banks stepped in to feed those families, and local organizations may still be in need of volunteers to help prepare, deliver, and serve food. Volunteering at a local food bank or soup kitchen is one way for parents to show their children that they have a lot to be thankful for while instilling in them a sense of responsibility to community members in need.

Art can be as beneficial to its creators as it is to those who appreciate it. For instance, according to a report from Americans for the Arts, art education can strengthen problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Art also encourages children to innovate, and it is fun to create. Families can share their artwork with others to brighten their day. For example, the New Jersey-based organization Color A Smile distributes cheerful drawings to senior citizens and overseas troops, among others.

Local park cleanups work toward making the great outdoors pristine and pollution-free. Such cleanups, which are a fun way to get outdoors, also provide opportunities for parents to teach children about the environment and the importance of protecting it.