Thank you Allstate for sponsoring this post. I chose to write this post because doing good in local communities is at Allstate’s core.
Our boys are ages 5, 8, and 10 and while some days they frustrate me, most days they make me proud. I am constantly amazed at what they are thinking and doing at their ages. When I heard that one of my kids stood up to others bullying a friend at lunch? Amazed. Would I have done that at his age? Most likely not. When my kids tell me their ideas of how they want to help others, I think how I am pretty certain at their age I was only concerned with myself. And it is not just my kids, it’s across the board. No kid is perfect, and we should not pressure them to be perfect, but it is inspiring to me, as an adult, to see the genuine love and kindness in kids’ hearts these days.
If you don’t believe me, check out this video to see how these kids, inspired by Allstate, are making an impact in their community. Allstate’s dedication to the communities where they live and work is core to who they are and it shows in this video.
Allstate believes in youth empowerment and I agree that it’s important! One of the ways they look to inspire the next generation and foster a love for their fellow man is through community projects like this one that empower young people to become the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
Here are the reasons I believe the future is bright!
Adults are Actively Learning how to Bring out the Best in Kids
I am AMAZED at all of the books, activities, inspiring movies, and school projects centered around just being kind and thinking of others. School is not just for learning how to read and do math anymore. There are SO many wonderful adults looking for ways to bring out the best in kids. Our boys’ school has provided them with so many ways to serve others. From donating food to the local pantry, donating coats to those without, providing presents for kids undergoing treatment at a local hospital…these adults are teaching our kids to think of others and I cannot imagine how impactful that is for both the school and these kids’ futures.
Kids are Caring about Others
I have seen so many examples of kids being caring. The adults of this generation have stood up against bullying and are making great strides to make sure it does not happen as frequently as it has in the past. There are still problems of course, but kids are, I think, beginning to notice bullying situations and stand up for each other. This seemingly simple skill will hopefully blossom and grow as each child gets older and faces difficult situations in the future.
The Conversation is Open
I felt like I had a good line of communication open with my parents, but I know many from my generation who did not. Parents are being taught to communicate with their kids and that has sprouted this unbelievable strong power in the parent-child relationship. Communication is key!
Being a parent is hard, but utilizing the help of age appropriate books and movies, teachers and counselors, and good old-fashioned communication, the next generation will and IS exploding with love and kindness for their fellow man.
Allstate believes that young people aren’t waiting for change to happen – they’re creating it. They are the change-makers! As you saw in the video above, and as I see in kids everywhere, by lending their hands, hearts and voices to their communities, youth are not only making change, but they are also building critical social and emotional learning skills for themselves that will last them a lifetime. Skills like problem-solving, empathy and teamwork will help ensure their future success, and the success of generations to come!
What makes you hopeful for the next generation?
This post was written as part of the Allstate Influencer Program and sponsored by Allstate. All opinions are mine. As the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, Allstate is dedicated not only to protecting what matters most–but to guiding people to live the Good Life, every day.