Do what works for your family. These ideas are to help get your wheels turning.

Cultivate a Caring Attitude

There are so many opportunities to help one another that you're probably already doing something. Show kids how it's done, and keep your eyes open for opportunities that will draw them in.

Model volunteerism. One day when I was making a double batch of soup, my preschooler walked into the kitchen and asked, "Who had a baby?" She knew that new parents meant that we'd drop off a meal, and she'd be surprised (and dismayed) if we didn't.

Seek pleasure. If you come home grumbling about a committee meeting, it's time to find something that's more satisfying to you. You and the organizations you help will both benefit if you're doing something that you enjoy, and your kids will see that volunteering is a pleasure, not a chore.

Make it personal. You might be inspired to raise money to research a disease that's affected a family member, do clean-up work for a friend who's suffered from a natural disaster, or support the animal shelter where you met your family pet.

Seize the opportunity. Point out community helpers at area festivals, read stories in the newspaper about issues that concern you, and suggest ways in which you and your children are fortunate. Then, when you see a spark, fan it into a flame quickly by finding out how you and your child can help.

Start With Small Steps

Kids don't have to serve strangers in a formal program to learn that helping others feels good, and even toddlers can complete simple tasks. For the youngest kids:

Assign chores like picking up toys and setting the table. After all, family is a community, too.

Pick up trash as you take walks. Make it a habit to pack plastic bags and disinfecting wipes whenever you go out, and you'll always be prepared to leave places looking better than how you found them.

Be a good neighbor. Bring cookies or a card to an elderly neighbor, clear the sidewalks of leaves or snow while you're catching up with yard work, or offer to walk a neighbor's dog when they're busy.

Hand down toys and clothes. Make it a regular practice to offer outgrown items to a friend, a local shelter, or an organization, and soon your kids will cull items independently to offer them to others.