5 Ways to Teach Grandkids About Giving

4. Give together. Make giving a family tradition involving all generations. Get the whole family to save change in a big jar and together watch the nest egg grow; choose where to donate the sum at the end of the year. Help feed other families by sponsoring one, donating canned goods for a food drive or creating food baskets to donate. Have a family yard sale and donate a portion of the proceeds. Get active by volunteering together — in your community or in faraway places through volunteer vacations that incorporate structured volunteer opportunities in interesting places. Make giving a fun family activity and everyone will want to join in.

5. Make it a habit. Provide grandchildren with frequent opportunities to give and volunteer so that service becomes an ongoing and natural part of their lives, rather than an intermittent effort. Regularly schedule family volunteering expeditions. Ask their parents if you could add a little extra to their allowance and help your grandchild always set aside a portion for giving (as well as for saving and spending.) Children spend a lot of time online these days, so capitalize on that and help them find websites where they can learn about and choose charities. Feed their online game-playing habit by steering them to online charitable giving games, such as Child's Play. And don't forget the positive reinforcement for their efforts!