IN BLANKSTARE NEWS: Need something for your kids to do this summer?

kids who volunteered over the past year had better physical health, had a more positive outlook on life, and were less likely to have anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems compared to their peers who did not volunteer.

Why not have them volunteer? A new study from the University of Houston found that kids and teens who volunteer are more likely to feel better mentally and physically. According to the researchers, kids who volunteered over the past year had better physical health, had a more positive outlook on life, and were less likely to have anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems compared to their peers who did not volunteer. “These study results bring optimism that youth volunteering could be a win-win, where youth are serving society to their own benefit,” said study author Kevin Lanza, PhD. “Further, youths may be joined by household members and others while volunteering, strengthening social bonds while building community.”