Small Force, Big Light

December 14, 2023

What would you do if you had wealth to give away? That's the question my two friends—let's call them Sarah and Ben—ask their nine grandchildren every year during the holidays: At the end of the traditional family gift exchange, each grandkid receives one last extra-special gift from Grandma and Grandpa: $25 in cash, to give to someone else.

Sarah and Ben's grandkids range in age from toddler to teen, so some of them need parental assistance to get it done, but what they do with the money is completely up to each child. There are only a couple of restrictions: 1) They must find a worthy group, cause, or person who has a need that can be filled or a goal that can be helped with the funds. 2) They must report back about what they did.

So what happens?

• The kids think about different problems and ways they might be solved.
• They interact with interesting people who expand their awareness of what is needed and what is possible.
• They learn that there are ways to make wealth do more good moving in the world than shut in their pocket.
• They experience the pride that comes from understanding that they made something worthwhile happen, and they develop an identity as someone who does exactly that.

You might argue—and I do—that a sense of oneself as a force for good is just about the most valuable gift that can be given to a young person, especially in an age when it's easy to feel helpless in the face of the tragedies swirling around the globe. Consider giving this idea a whirl this holiday season, as much for yourself as for your kids. If it works for your family, please pass along the idea to others. And if you're inspired to report back what you did, I'll let Sarah and Ben know. They'll be tickled.

—Deb