The other day there was a quiet knock on the front door of the office. I ran downstairs and opened the door to a bright eyed young lady. I invited her inside and she told me about the “clean up” projects she and in her friend were doing around the neighborhood. She had quite a few details to share…and it sounded like a big project.
I congratulated her on a job well done and told her that the work she and her friend are doing is a wonderful way to give back to the community.
She then looked at me with her bright eyes.. looked back down at her sweatshirt.. played a bit with a hole in her sleeve.. looked back up at me and then very quickly said.. “So if me and my friend do stuff like this for the environment will we get a reward?”
I looked at her – I have to say a bit shocked which probably made her even more nervous. What?? A reward?? You are asking me if you get a reward for helping clean up your community?
I looked at her and wasn’t sure how to respond. Do I run downstairs and see if we have any leftover swag from events we did in the past? Do I run upstairs and make a quick certificate for her? Do I give her a reward for doing something that I believe all children should do naturally?
Hum.. quite the question. My response to her was.. “Well mother nature will give you rewards that you can only imagine and I personally am very thankful that you care enough to come out and help.”
I know it wasn’t the response she was looking for. I did throw in that I saw on Disney channel you can be part of a green team and get points for helping. She already knew about that program, thanked me for my time.. and jumped the steps while she walked away from the office.. at a fast pace.
This happened a week ago and it is still on my mind. I wonder if my kids would ask the same question? Do you need a reward to do something that feels good? Do you need to get paid for volunteer time? Sometimes the joy in helping your community is more of a reward than any money can replace.
There are significant rewards in spending time outdoors. In learning about your neighborhhood and finding a special place where you can be alone. Bonding with nature clears your mind and your soul… isn’t that reward enough?
Posted by Jillian on June 9, 2009 at 1:23 am
I know – the rewards get a bit out of control. Does the good behavior stop if the outside reward stops, too? But rewards are everywhere for today’s kids…. Positive reinforcement can be a great thing, but are we creating unrealistic expectaions at the same time? Good questions to ponder!