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    • Contact
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Anthem2 Wagon Stroller: Assembly + Review

8/12/2023

7 Comments

 
US Japan Fam - Gladly Family Anthem2 Wagon Stroller Review
As a non-driving twin mom who had 3 kids under 3 years old for a hot minute, I know ALL. THE. THINGS. about hauling multiple kids around the city to parks, restaurants, and schools, and what features are essential in a good stroller. A self-proclaimed "stroller addict", this is actually my FIFTEENTH stroller / wagon review. You're with a pro here ;) So let's get going!!

​I'm here to show you everything you need to know about the Gladly Family Anthem2 Wagon Stroller, which I was paid to review, but please know my reviews are always 100% unbiased - all thoughts and opinions are my own! Click below to watch the full unboxing, assembly, and demo, and read on for detailed info, photos, and links to buy the Anthem2 (2-seater) or Anthem4 (4-seater) wagon strollers!

​(Full disclosure: affiliate links are included below - you don't pay more but I receive a small commission from qualified purchases after clicking)
Features I love on the Anthem2 Wagon Stroller:
  • 2 seats are included (already installed - not removable) with drop down space for their legs - SO comfy!!!
  • A lay flat nap mat is also included, which is quick to install and uninstall, so you can do it on the go! Great for babies and toddlers, or even a bigger kid in a pinch (each seat has a 50 pound max but the whole wagon has a 150 pound max).
  • The long handle puts you at a great distance from the wagon, so you never have to worry about kicking it while walking - so push or pull and walk unhindered with long strides, it's the best distanced handle / chassis I think I've ever seen on a stroller or wagon!!​
US Japan Fam - Gladly Family Anthem2 Wagon Stroller Review - parent console handle and wheels
  • It comes with tons of accessories!!! I love the dual snack / drink tray that snaps in between the 2 seats. There are also 2 removable canopies (for sun, wind, and rain protection), a huge storage bin that can snap onto the front, and 2 pieces of parent console - a drink holder and a box with a lid!
  • It's super easy to open and close, and is even self standing for compact storage - making it a great option for apartment dwellers! Be sure to see my demo video above to see these in action!
  • Huge all-terrain wheels that are not air filled, so no worries about getting a flat tire! They're a great material, not the cheap (loud) plastic type, and are quick release which is helpful in a smaller trunk.
  • Flip-flop friendly one touch brake.
  • At 35 pounds, it's not LIGHTWEIGHT but it's not too bad to carry. It has a handle on each side so is quite easy to hoist up (sans kids) to get up a flight of stairs or into the trunk of your car (again, see my demo video for this in action)
US Japan Fam - Gladly Family Anthem2 Wagon Stroller Review - closer look

Who is this wagon stroller best for?
  • a family who needs their stroller to grow with their family (from baby and toddler years onward since you can install the nap mat and use it as a regular wagon to hold groceries, scooters and helmets, luggage, etc!! - see the photo below for reference)
  • a baby needing a lay flat bassinet style stroller (I recommend buying a head and body support pillow for a little baby, and do note, there is no seat belt in nap mat mode)
  • a baby in a car seat (just buy the optional universal car seat adaptor here)
  • 1-2 children (great for twins, siblings, and play dates) who can sit in the 3-point harness seats (from about 6 months to 50 pounds, probably maxing out around 6-7 years old due to weight and leg length - see my 55 pound 7 year old in it below for reference).
US Japan Fam - Gladly Family Anthem2 Wagon Stroller Review - not just for babies and toddlers - great for older kids and familes

BUY the Anthem2 and other Gladly Family Wagons Strollers & Accessories here:
  • Anthem2 Wagon Stroller (2 seats; available in several colors, I got the Neon Indigo, so nice!!
  • Anthem2 Car Seat Adapter
  • Anthem 4 Quad Wagon Stroller (4 seats)
  • Anthem 4 Car Seat Adapter
  • Merritt Portable Play Yard Suite (with bassinet insert)
  • Pod Diaper Bag (with changing station and travel bassinet)
US Japan Fam - Gladly Family Anthem2 Wagon Stroller Review - great for 1-2 kids

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Win Tickets to Circus Vazquez!

8/10/2023

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US JAPAN FAM ticket giveaway to Circus Vazquez in NJ and NY 2023
NY & NJ area moms, dads, kids, and kids of all ages - let's go to the Circus!!! Circus Vazquez that is! No animals, just SUPER talented humans performing for you at a number of nearby locations over the next couple of months!

Circus Vazquez, now in its 54th year and run by the five Vazquez brothers (third generation of their family to manage this circus), is returns to the NYC area with its brand new 2023 production featuring new thrills, new laughs and new excitement!

Circus Vazquez, featuring incredible performers from Mexico, Columbia, Mongolia, Chile, Ukraine, India and the U.S.,  is the largest family-owned circus in the United States! They'll be making SIX stops in New Jersey, Long Island and New York City including a first-ever stop at Randall's Island! Presented in English in the largest tent currently touring in the U.S., and it's climate-controlled with bathrooms, concession stand, and lots of great light up and spinny merch of course!

Watch our fun highlights video from when we went to see Circus Vazquez in Paramus NJ last year to see the awesomeness you can expect!
Upcoming shows:
  • Middletown, NY (8/25-9/4)
  • Paramus NJ (9/8-9/25)
  • Huntington Station, NY (9/29-10/9)
  • Bay Shore, NY (10/13-10/23)
  • Woodbridge, NJ (10/27-11/13)
  • Randall's Island, NY (11/17-12/4)
Enter to win a FOUR PACK of tickets 
to your choice of upcoming shows in NJ or NY!! Details follow:
  • REQUIRED to enter: leave a blog comment and make a note in the giveaway app that you did so.
  • EXTRA ENTRY POINTS are gained by taking various actions daily.
  • Giveaway ends at 11:59PM ET Sunday August 13 and a winner will be chosen at random and emailed and have 24 hours to confirm.
  • Open to US residents over 18 only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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2023 Family Vacation Guide to Lancaster PA

8/7/2023

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US Japan Fam's Family Vacation Guide to Lancaster PA 2023 -
Whether you're looking for exciting outdoor adventures, historical tours, foodie activities, Amish encounters, or just want to relax and swim at a beautiful hotel in the quiet farm-filled rolling countryside of Pennsylvania, Lancaster County is the perfect destination for your next multigenerational family vacation. Seriously, from babies to grandparents, there are endless options here for everyone!

We've been going to Lancaster PA annually for 6 years, driving just 3 hours from NYC and now from NJ (our old getaway guides are listed at the bottom of this one). We just love the area and all if has to offer! So kick back and enjoy our highlights video from this summer's trip below (we brought my parents along for the ride this year for the first time) and read on for more details and links, which we hope will be very helpful in planning your own family's visit!!
DISCLAIMER: We were not paid but were provided free tickets, accommodation and meals in exchange for inclusion in our roundup. All thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased :) HUGE thank you to our partners on this trip, including Cartoon Network Hotel, Dutch Wonderland, Turkey Hill Experience, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, The Amish Village, Smokehouse BBQ & Brews, and Discover Lancaster - the latter which is a GREAT resource when planning your visit, definitely check out their website, request a visitor's guide, and/or stop by their visitor's center!!

WHERE TO STAY!
Vacation Guide to Lancaster PA - CARTOON NETWORK HOTEL
Cartoon Network Hotel is the ultimate in kitsch meets cool accommoddations, and you can't beat the location if planning to go to Dutch Wonderland. You can literally walk from the hotel to the theme park and save the DW $22 parking fee (not to mention they have discounted DW tickets for hotel guests and you could even go back to the hotel for a couple hours to rest or let your toddler nap in the room). They have modern and fun cartoon-themed rooms, VR / arcade / and other great activities for kids down in the lobby, indoor and (seasonal) outdoor pools & splash zone, on-site restaurant and coffee shop (the latter turns into a bar at night), gift shop, and more!
US JAPAN FAM's 2023 Family Vacation Guide to Lancaster PA - BEN 10 Suite @ Cartoon Network Hotel
This was our 2nd time being hosted by Cartoon Network and we just love it there! Last time we stayed in the Steven Universe Dream Suite and this time we got the Ben 10 Suite (watch the room tours below). SO SO SO thoughtfully designed with great art work, fun wall paper and bedding, and they give you tremendous space with suites featuring a primary bedroom and bathroom, living room and dining area with kitchenette, and a kids' area with 2 bunk beds (each bed has its own TV which is 1,000% my kids' favorite feature in the hotel).  Cartoon Network Hotel is hands down my #1 hotel recommendation for families visiting Lancaster. It's such a fun spot, both kids and adults will love it!
BOOK YOUR STAY:
You can book a 384sqft King, Double, or Family room for 2-4 people (from about $147/night) on any site including Kayak, Booking.com, Priceline, Expedia, Hotels.com, etc. But if you have more than 4 people (like my family) you'll want to book a Dream Suite (max 6 or 8 people depending on the suite, from $399/night) directly on CartoonNetwork.com.

WHAT TO DO!

​DUTCH WONDERLAND:
US JAPAN FAM - dutch wonderland 2017 vs 2019 vs 2023
We've been visiting Dutch Wonderland annually since our twins were just 2 years old (when I was first invited to join their Influencer Ambassador Program) and we always have THE BEST TIME!!! It's so fun to back year after year and see them grow taller (see the photos above!) and enjoy different rides and activities each time. Last summer, my oldest kiddo (at 9 years old) was finally tall enough to ride every big ride in the park, which was a really exciting day for him because he finally got to go on their thrilling wooden Kingdom Coaster! This year? He rode it FOUR TIMES (and we all rode my favorite coaster, Merlin's Mayhem) THREE TIMES! 

Awarded the Golden Ticket for Best Family Park by Amusement  Magazine in 2019, 2021, and 2022, Dutch Wonderland celebrated its 60th Birthday this year! We brought my parents along for the first time this year and they thoroughly enjoyed many of the rides, and while we were off getting soaking wet in Duke's Lagoon and water slides, they explored the gentler rides such as Sky Ride, Monorail, and Turnpike.
US Japan Fam's 2023 Family Vacation Guide to Lancaster PA - Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park
While they have top notch big kid/adult coasters, little kid rides, animatronic Dinosaur "island", really exciting (and hilarious) diving shows, and all that fun, they're never crazy crowded like Disney. Most rides have no wait at all. I think the Double Splash Flume was the only time we waited more than 10 minutes in a line this trip! And there were a few that we rode 2-3 times in a row because there were no lines! Can't beat that at a theme park!

Summer hours are generally 11am-7pm daily from beginning of June through August with weekend hours here and there throughout the year including special Halloween Haunting and Winter Wonderland events. General admission $69.99 but they seem to always have some discounts available (currently an "end of summer" 35% off online), and kiddos under 3 years old are always FREE! Check their calendar and current discounts before booking your trip!

DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE:
US JAPAN FAM'S 2023 Family Vacation Guide to Lancaster PA - Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre Legally Blonde Jr
​This was our second time attending one of the children's theatre lunches at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre and it was just as wonderful as last year's experience!! We got there around 11:30 to get our tickets, the buffet lunch opened at about 11:45. I can't speak of the dinner shows, but the lunch shows for kids has very KID FRIENDLY food i.e. things like chicken nuggets and corn dogs, cup cakes etc. There is a good salad bar, and coffee :) Staff is very quick to keep food available, clear your plates, refill drinks.  Overall we enjoyed the food and it's a fun part of the experience - I definitely recommend getting the lunch + show ticket rather than just the show.

You continue sitting at your table during the show which started at around 12:45. They chairs are padded and comfortable, we simply turned them to face the stage so our necks wouldn't give us trouble. There was an intermission, which was appreciated since my kids had been drinking their pink lemonade non-stop!

The sound, the singing, the dancing, the set, the acting - was all top notch! Just terrific performances by all!! This was a summer show and I believe involved the children's theatre camp program, so had some younger actors included, as young as 11!! They all did so great, we just loved it!!

After the show, and I'm not sure if this is for every show or not, but they had a Q&A on the stage so kids (and adults) could ask questions to the cast, and after that the cast came out to the lobby and outside so you could take photos and talk to them. SO COOL! My kids, myself, my husband, and my parents all just absolutely loved this entire experience.
US JAPAN FAM'S 2023 Family Vacation Guide to Lancaster PA - Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre Legally Blonde Jr
Can't recommend this place highly enough, whether you live in the area or just come for vacation like we do every year!! You can find their main theater 2023 schedule here (including Guys & Dolls, Escape to Margaritaville, and A Christmas Carol), 2024 schedule here (including Mousetrap, The Addams Family, Ragtime the Musical, The Full Monty, The Sound of Music, Jersey Boys, Hairspray, and White Christmas), and their children's theater schedule here (including Santa Claus the Musical, The Rainbow Fish Musical, The Sponge Bob Musical (Youth Edition),  and Frozen Jr.)

THE AMISH VILLAGE:
Family Vacation Guide to Lancaster PA - The Amish Village
You can't come to Lancaster and not do at least one Amish-centric activity or tour, but there are SO many to choose from! So, let me make it easy for you in saying The Amish Village is a GREAT one!! We're grateful to Discover Lancaster for coordinating tickets for us to showcase their Amish Village and Farmhouse Tour.

​Our guide was so informative, teaching us about Amish life, culture, and religion as she guided us through an old Amish home. One thing that really stuck with me was the meaning I never realized about their women's clothing! At 16 years old, girls are given a white apron to wear to show they are of age to start dating (they encourage dating for a full 2 years before marriage since divorce is verboten). Once married, they're given a black apron to show they're married, since they don't wear any jewelry, including wedding rings or flashy buttons. So interesting!!
Family Vacation Guide to Lancaster PA - The Amish Village
​It was also fascinating to learn they do use some electricity, just nothing that ties them to a grid. So, utilizing propane gas and hooking up modern appliances to lawn mower motors for example, are quite popular. As are using peacocks as alarm systems, ha! Who knew, they're REALLY LOUD (watch the video!!) After the tour of the house we wandered around the property where they have some lots of animals, an Amish school house, wagons to climb into, and some yummy treats - I highly recommend getting some homemade whoopie pies!!

If you have time, you may want to get a more extensive tour such as their Premium Package Tour that includes a 90 minute narrated bus ride! See ticket and tour options here!

TURKEY HILL EXPERIENCE:
US JAPAN FAM's 2023 Family Vacation Guide to Lancaster PA - Turkey Hill Experience
If you love ice cream, Turkey Hill Experience is a MUST DO. When they say that unlimited ice cream samples are included with admission, it's no joke. But they're not samples, they're FULL CUPS, and you can go back for as many as you want, of whatever flavor(s) omgggggg so good!!! Also, unlimited samples of a wide selection of teas and lemonades. Crazy thing is, the ice cream wasn't even the favorite part for my kids!!! It was all of the interactive activities like decorating their own ice cream containers, and filming their own Turkey Hill commercial using a teleprompter, microphone and green screen!!

​For me?? It was the Taste Lab where we were schooled about all things ice cream and Turkey Hill and made our own ice cream with a bazillion flavorings, sauces, and mix ins!!! This place was such a fun stop, I can't believe we've been to Lancaster so many times and had never been here before!! General admission is $13.50 but you should definitely get the combo ticket with Taste Lab ($22.50). And be sure to give yourself at least 2 hours to enjoy it all (and make space to get down enough ice cream LOL).
US JAPAN FAM's 2023 Family Vacation Guide to Lancaster PA - Turkey Hill Experience TASTE LAB

WHERE TO EAT!

Smokehouse BBQ & Brews
Located in a serene area of Lancaster County on the 10 acre Plain & Fancy Farm, Smokehouse BBQ & Brews is a must for BBQ lovers, and really convenient if taking Aaron & Jessica's Amish Buggy Rides or visiting The Amish Experience - they're all on the same property! If their menu doesn't have you drooling, I don't know what will. We were treated to the "create your own platter" and it did not disappoint. I can honestly say, the BEST BBQ OF MY LIFE. So so good! My kids are extremely picky and they were eating off my plate after devouring their kids meals. I couldn't believe it! Don't forget to save space for Shoofly Pie, a Lancaster County favorite!
US Japan Fam's 2023 Family Vacation Guide to Lancaster - where to eat - Smokehouse BBQ & Brews

Cartoon Kitchen
Whether or not you're staying at Cartoon Network Hotel, if your kids love cartoons or Cartoon Network, this is worth a stop for dinner. Call ahead and see if you can request one of the "Dream Cube" pods, they're super fun for kids!! The dinner menu is not super extensive, but you've got the kid-friendly staples and for adults things like tangy chicken wrap and burger, and some great deserts too! Everyone leaves happy! And if you're lucky, you may get a meet & greet with Gumball or another character while you're there!
US Japan Fam's 2023 Family Vacation Guide to Lancaster PA - Where to eat - Cartoon Kitchen at Cartoon Network Hotel

OTHER GREAT RESTAURANTS:
  • Bird-in-Hand Smorgasbord - featured in our June 2017  & July 2019 Lancaster Guide.
  • Casey Jones' Restaurant @ Red Caboose Motel - dine in a train car! Super unique experience.
  • ​Fulton Steamboat Inn's Huckleberry's Restaurant - a super cute property to visit (or stay in), it looks like a steamboat, inside AND out!! If you plan it right you'll dine with live piano music and singing and can go out and feed ducks at the pond while you wait! Featured in our Winter 2022 Lancaster Guide.
  • Katie's Kitchen - Amish owned and operated restaurant; featured in our July 2019 Lancaster Guide video.
  • Miller's Smorgasbord - Lancaster's original buffet, opened in 1929; featured in our July 2019 Lancaster Guide.
  • Mr. Sticky's Buns - famous homemade sticky buns
  • Shady Maple Smorgasbord - authentic PA Dutch cooking

MORE FUN ACTIVITIES:
  • Aaron & Jessica's Amish Buggy Rides - featured in our Winter 2022 Lancaster Guide.
  • The Amish Experience - many Amish tours and experiences offered; featured in our June 2017 Lancaster Guide.
  • Cherry Crest Adventure Farm -  25 acres of 60 farm fun activities, games, and rides with seasonal corn maze; featured in many of our past guides: August 2021, July 2019, June 2018, & June 2017.
  • Kitchen Kettle Village - cute shopping center with great food; featured in our June 2017 Lancaster Guide.
  • Lil' Country Store & Miniature Horse Farm - great Amish food and goods to purchase, pay to ride miniature horses or take a tour; free to walk through stables to see miniature horses and alpaca; featured in our 2023 Summer Guide to Lancaster Video.
  • LoKal Experiences - amazing selection of tours to choose from, featured in our March 2022 Lancaster Guide.
  • Verdant View Farm - pasture-raised grass-fed beef farm and bed & breakfast with great farm tours; featured in our July 2019 Lancaster Guide.
INDOOR ACTIVITIES (Rainy Day Backups):
  • Central Market - huge indoor farmer's market with over 60 vendors; established in 1730.
  • ​Choo Choo Barn (1,700sqft of indoor miniature train amazingness; featured in our Winter 2022 Lancaster Guide).
  • Lancaster Science Factory - hands-on interactive science center geared toward kids from Pre-K through 8th grade.
  • Railroad Museum of PA - HUGE indoor train museum with over 100 locomotives; featured in our July 2019 Lancaster Guide.
  • Strasburg Rail Road - ride the rails on this historical steam train; featured in our June 2017 Lancaster Guide.
  • Tiny Town - unique indoor playplace with 11 luxury playhouses; featured in our July 2019 Lancaster Guide.
  • Urban Air Adventure & Trampoline Park 
See and read more in our past Lancaster family vacation guides:
  • March 2022 featuring LoKal Experiences "Unique Amish Immersion Experience" Van Tour;  Choo Choo Barn, Aaron & Jessica's Amish Buggy Rides, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre "Pinkalicious", Cartoon Network Hotel (Steven Universe Suite), and Fulton Steamboat Inn.
  • August 2021 (featuring Dutch Wonderland, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, & Wyndham Lancaster Resort)
  • July 2019 (featuring Railroad Museum of PA, Tiny Town Playplace, Verdant View Farm, Bird-in-Hand Smorgasbord & Magic Show, Miller's Smorgasbord, Dutch Wonderland, Katie's Kitchen,  & Cherry Crest Adventure Farm)
  • June 2018 (featuring Bird-in-Hand Family Inn, Dutch Wonderland, & Cherry Crest Adventure Farm)
  • June 2017 (featuring Strasburg Railroad, The Amish Experience, Bird-in-Hand Smorgasbord, Kitchen Kettle Village, Lancaster DoubleTree Resort, Dutch Wonderland, & Cherry Crest Adventure Farm)
US Japan Fam's Family Vacation Guide to Lancaster PA 2023 -
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How to Raise a Child Who Cares for Their Community

8/2/2023

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How to Raise a Child Who Cares for Their Community - US Japan Fam
Guest post provided by Stamford American International School
As the world grows increasingly globalized and interconnected, it’s becoming more crucial than ever to foster a sense of community in children. Community-mindedness can act as a moral compass, guiding them to become more empathetic and respectful individuals. It helps them develop a sense of belonging and instills values that nurture positive relationships. Interacting at length with their society paves the way for children to learn valuable lessons that they’ll likely use throughout their lifetime.

When it comes to developing community-mindedness and social consciousness in children, the parent’s role extends far beyond the confines of the home. Parents are the primary architects in developing children's understanding and care for the world outside their personal sphere. If you’re only just beginning this journey with your child, know that it requires effort, consistency, and dedication. However, rest assured that the rewards are immeasurable as you watch your child grow into an engaged and responsible citizen.
​
Here are four concrete things you can do to raise a community-minded child:
1. Send Them to a Community-Oriented School

A child’s school life involves much more than their academic performance. It's also about fostering an environment that encourages children to care about the world around them, especially considering that the school is likely to be the child’s first brush with larger society outside of the home. A community-oriented school that incorporates service-learning programs can thus be instrumental in nurturing these values.

Service-learning is an educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service. It provides students with concrete opportunities to help address community needs, thereby developing their sense of social responsibility. Service-learning activities give children the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world problems, transforming these lessons from mere abstract concepts to highly relevant parts of their lived experiences.
​
When choosing a school for your child, consider its approach to community engagement. Look for schools that have strong relationships with community organizations and promote participation in local events. The best international schools in Singapore, for instance, will likely have robust service-learning programs to help keep your child active and socially involved throughout their formative years.
How to Raise a Child Who Cares for Their Community - usjapanfam - singapore
2. Talk with and Show Appreciation for Community Members

As social beings, people understand and connect with the world through interaction, and children are no different. Encourage your child to converse with various community members, from the friendly postman who brings daily letters to the diligent street sweeper who keeps the surroundings clean. These interactions can enhance their understanding of the different roles people play in keeping a community thriving.

Teaching your child to express gratitude towards the people who help them every day is a simple yet powerful way of fostering respect for other people. Urge them to say 'thank you' to staff members at their school or service workers in shops and restaurants. Also show your appreciation and respect for the people around you openly because children learn best by observing the actions of those around them.
​
​Moreover, consider setting up opportunities for deeper engagement. Maybe your elderly neighbor has stories to share about the community's history, or the local baker can teach your child about the baking process. If your child is older, you could help them organize a larger project to support the community. For instance, if you know a family friend who is having work done on their home, or perhaps an elderly person who is less mobile, you could hire a dumpster for major renovations and assist your child in helping clean debris and clutter for them. This can teach them about taking a more proactive role in the community. These experiences can enrich your child's understanding of their community and the diverse individuals who contribute to its fabric.
3. Teach Them about Politics and Social Issues

It’s never too early for children to start learning about the political and social structures that influence community life. Teaching them about these issues early on promotes active citizenship and helps them realize that their actions can make a difference in their society, even in small ways.

Start with the basics of politics, such as what a government is, the importance of voting, and how laws are made. Use child-friendly resources such as books or educational TV shows to illustrate these concepts. Over time, you can ease your child into deeper discussions about more complex political and sociological concepts such as human rights and social justice.
​
When discussing social issues, find ways to relate them to your child's experiences. For instance, don’t shun or shield your child from homeless people and instead use encounters with them as opportunities to talk about poverty and social services. Discuss news stories that highlight issues like pollution, racism, or gender inequality. Remember to keep these discussions age-appropriate, focusing on fostering empathy and understanding rather than overwhelming them with complex issues and technical jargon.
4. Find Age-Appropriate Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering offers a hands-on approach to community engagement and allows your child to contribute to their community in tangible ways. In the process, they’ll also develop a range of useful skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. Look for volunteering opportunities that are appropriate for your child's age and interests. If your child finds they care deeply about environmental issues, for example, consider signing them up for a local tree-planting project. If they’re good with people, meanwhile, they could help out at a food bank or spend time with elderly residents at a nursing home.

Volunteering not only teaches your child about the value of service, but it can also expose them to diverse experiences and perspectives. They’ll have the opportunity to interact and even form relationships with people from a wide array of social and cultural backgrounds, many of whom they likely would have been unable to meet otherwise.
​
Raising a child who cares for their community is a rewarding journey that pays abundant dividends for their character development. Empower your child with the right tools and experiences, and they'll undoubtedly find ways to contribute positively to their society both as they grow up and well into adulthood.
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    I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins + 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, helping busy parents find the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above!

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