One Hour, Big Impact
A volunteer shares what she learned about building trust and spotting early red flags in kids. Discover simple ways to connect and what to look for.
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A Volunteer’s Guide to Meaningful Connection with Young Kids
One Hour Changed Me
I signed up thinking I’d help a child for an hour.
What I didn’t expect was that in just one hour—they would change me.
I’m Lena. I’m not a therapist or a teacher. I’m a volunteer with Adorable Babies Jump Start. I help little ones build confidence through play, stories, and presence.
And I want to tell you something you may not have heard yet:
Connection isn’t built with perfection. It’s built with presence.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or someone just trying to “do good,” this post is for you. I’m going to share:
Simple ways I learned to connect with kids (even the shy, quiet, or “difficult” ones)
Subtle signs I didn’t know were red flags
And the one thing I think every parent deserves to hear
I used to think engaging kids meant being bubbly, fun, or super creative.
Turns out, what they needed most was consistency, calm, and genuine curiosity.
Here’s what worked for me (and what ABJS taught me in training):
What Kids Really Need to Feel Safe With You
Get on their level — literally:
Sit or kneel eye-to-eye. It shifts everything.
Let silence do the work:
Don’t rush their words. The quiet moments are often where trust builds.
Name what you notice:
“I see you lined up all the cars!” This shows you’re paying attention without praise pressure.
Be predictable:
Kids thrive on knowing what happens next, even in play. Repeating routines builds security.
Early Childhood Development Facts
The Subtle Red Flags I Didn’t Know to Look For
I started volunteering with ABJS out of curiosity. What I found was life-changing.
These aren’t things you see in big, obvious ways—but they’re worth paying attention to.
1. Blank stares instead of shared smiles
If a child never looks to see if you’re watching them play or doesn’t seek your reaction, it may be a red flag for social communication development.
2. Repetitive play—without variation
I worked with a child who spun the same toy wheel for 20 minutes. When I added another toy or asked a question, they froze. That could signal sensory regulation needs.
3. Oversensitivity or underreaction to sound
One child covered their ears during clean-up songs, while another didn’t flinch at loud noises. Both can point to auditory processing issues.
4. No pretend play by 2½–3 years
Pretending is a big milestone. If a child never mimics daily life (feeding a doll, making a toy animal “talk”), it’s worth exploring further.
These aren’t reasons to panic. They’re reasons to pay attention and get support early, before small things become bigger struggles.
Here to help children and parents
What Parents Told Me They Secretly Worry About
After a few sessions, caregivers started opening up. And again and again, I heard things like:
Am I Doing This Right?
“I don’t know if I’m doing enough.”
Something Feels Different
“They don’t act like the other kids, and I don’t want to sound paranoid.”
Afraid to Ask
“I’m scared to bring it up to anyone.”
Let me say this with all the love in my heart:
You are not overreacting. You are advocating.
Your questions are not signs of failure. They’re signs of connection.
And ABJS is the only place I’ve seen where parents get answers without shame, pressure, or being dismissed.
Become a Volunteer!
How Volunteers Help Parents Feel Less Alone
Sometimes, the biggest impact I make is just sitting beside a parent.
Not telling them what to do.
Not “fixing” their child.
Just offering space, presence, and gentle tools.
ABJS gave me a simple phrase I use with every caregiver:
“You’re not doing this alone anymore.”
That’s what we’re all here for.
Final Thoughts
One hour. That’s all it took to see how much a small moment can mean.
To a child. To a parent. To me.
If you’re reading this as a parent—you are already doing more than enough.
And if you’re reading this as someone wondering if volunteering is “for you”?
Let me just say: if you have a heart for children, there’s a place for you here.
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