By Patrick J. McGrath, OC, PhD, FRSC
Question:
I am 14 years old, and I just can't find a way to help the world around me. Can you think of any way in which I can help?
Dr. Pat responds:
You indeed can help the world. The first way is to be a good citizen in your family, school, and community. Be helpful to your family, friends, and teachers by doing more than your share. Keep in touch with your grandparents. Be cheerful in all that you do.
What are your interests?
If you are interested in children, you could:
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Raise money for a children’s charity.
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Help mind children in your neighborhood for a mom who needs help.
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Teach younger kids a skill you have.
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Volunteer reading to young children in a local hospital.
If you are interested in animals:
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Develop a website for a local endangered species.
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Organize a local grocery store to have a drop off for petfood for a local shelter.
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Volunteer at a local shelter for animals.
If you are interested in the environment:
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Organize your family, your neighborhood or your community to compost organic waste.
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Volunteer to clean up a local beach or stream or street.
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Organize a writing campaign and have you and your friends write to the prime minister or premier about a specific environmental issue.
If you are interested in old people:
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Help one of your elderly neighbors with their yard work or snow shoveling.
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Read to an older person in a retirement home.
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The next time you make cookies, bring some to an elderly neighbor.
Be careful to be safe. Check with a parent or teacher to help you over any difficulties.
Patrick J. McGrath OC, PhD, FRSC is a clinical psychologist and a researcher. He is Professor of Psychology, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry at Dalhousie University and Vice President - Research at IWK Health Centre in Halifax. He is also the CEO of the Strongest Families Institute, which provides mental health care to families across Canada.
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Dr. Pat will respond to as many letters as possible with evidence-based answers. We hope that the column will be interesting and helpful for readers; however, Dr. Pat cannot provide health care through the column. Please contact a physician or other registered health care professional to provide health care guidance or advice.