The World Needs Your Kid: Raising Children Who Care and Contribute

by Craig Kielburger, Marc Kielburger, Shelley Page

The Dalai Lama has observed that the greatest challenge facing our time is that we're raising a generation of passive bystanders. If he is right, then the most vital work in this moment belongs to parents, grandparents, mentors and teachers. Inside this inspiring guide, you'll find life lessons from remarkable individuals, committed parents, and compassionate children. Contributors include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mia Farrow, Jane Fonda, Robert Kennedy Jr., Jason Mraz, and Dr. Jane Goodall. Read revealing stories and insights from the not-so-typical childhoods of Craig and Marc Kielburger. The brothers, whose work now inspires more than a million youth every year, share groundbreaking lessons on teaching kids to care. Discover how small actions every day can make the world a better place. Find out how those same small actions can have a lasting influence on your child's life. After all, it's a proven fact that doing good for the world does a world of good for friendships, grades, and self-esteem.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Education

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Craig Kielburger is a Canadian activist for the rights of children. As a 12 year old he founded Free the Children, a non-profit organisation that now operates in 45 countries with more than one million young people involved in programs. More recently, Craig co-founded Me to We with his brother Marc. Me to We is a for-profit social enterprise that provides socially responsible products and services.

Craig has been recognised for his work with a number of awards, including being made a Member of the Order of Canada on February 20, 2007.

Reviews

[Lisa Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give 5 stars to the idea of kids learning to volunteer and contribute. I also love Craig and Marc Kielburger, who founded We to Me. That said, this book is too meaty and hard to read. Too much information in small type and organized poorly. I'm not a reading lightweight, but I want something I can pick up and get an idea I can put into practice right now. There was SO much information and storytelling in this book that I couldn't discern what was "extra" and what was the important message.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book and gives a lot of practical ideas of how to incorporate giving with young children.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring parenting book. Reminds you of the big picture and helping your child find their passions in life and follow them.

[Michelle Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really should have read this book when I first got it.. roughly 10 years ago! Some of the material was out of date.
I'm sorry but I just couldn't get connected with the whole "get your kids to volunteer" movement. Also right now with a pandemic going on, doing things in the world or your own community for that matter seems far fetched.

[Tara Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great 'how to' book on sparking and maintaining age appropriate social activism with children of all ages.

[Joy]

Inspiring. Many examples.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories and tips. An easy read with some practical ideas.

[Lori Wolf-Heffner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at a time when I was on the less-optimistic side of the world we live in; the one my kids would inherit. I think it was after the December 2012 school massacre in the US. What kind of world were my kids inheriting? With our population constantly growing, how on earth could I help improve anyone's lot in life? I do what's become trendy now, e.g., buying fair trade, using my own compost bins (I have three and do turn them), etc. But then you read about school shootings like that, and you wonder how a backyard composter can help.

Although the book didn't give me the direct link between my backyard composters and saving the world, it did show me that there are kids who are trying really hard to make a difference, regardless of their background, and that perhaps I, as a parent, could raise two kids who can also help make a difference.

Yes, there are basics like getting kids to do chores, but I know where the Kielburger brothers are coming from. I'm often left with the impression that kids in general don't have to help out much around the house anymore, and that basic politeness isn't even taught. (It's pretty bad when people have to compliment my kids on their manners - suggests that strangers don't see manners too much anymore.)

It's a book that's staying on my shelf, because I know I'll need to refer to it once in a while. It is dense, it is full of information, it is autobiographical. But that's what I needed to get through that down after those school shootings. I needed to know that other real-life people exist who try and make the world better.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I didn't love this book, I'm very glad that I read it. At first, I was impatient with what seemed like overly basic parenting tips (e.g., kids should do chores, you should talk about feelings). I also felt there was a bit too much of an autobiographical focus from the two main authors. Nevertheless, it was an impactful read overall -- I really enjoyed reading about different activists' journeys and thinking about the many different avenues that there are for contribution and service. This book also definitely made me think about how I want to talk to my children about local and world issues and it provided many ideas for cultivating compassion and service. Most importantly, it inspired me to take action.

[Amrit Blahblah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's such an amazing book, I just couldn't wait to finish reading it because I knew I could gain so much from this one book. It's so inspiring and full of so many of the three C's! I would say read it, read it again and then pass it on! :)

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this book. A lot of it is common sense, but it is nice to know others are passionate about the same ideas.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great thought provoking ideas in this book. Lots of inspiring stories :)

[Kimberly Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on raising social conscious kids. Read it chapter by chapter with my husband to allow time for reflection. I have since given it to friends with kids as a gift. Very thought provoking.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought-provoking and inspirational

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't realize this was written by a kid!! While nothing wrong with that, just wasn't what I was expecting. And therefore disappointed. Was hoping for something more meaty, to sink my teeth into.