How do you teach your children the importance of giving to those less fortunate than they are? Do you lecture them about giving to the poor? Do you nag them to finish their dinner because there are children starving in Africa? Or do you practice charity in your daily life? Often, as we raise our children, we are tempted to tell them to "do as I say, not as I do." Unfortunately, our children are more likely to follow "monkey see, monkey do." If you want your kids to grow up to be charitable adults, you have to teach it to them now -- through your own actions.

The holidays are the perfect time to teach your children about volunteering and giving the gift of themselves. Start in your coat closets. Pull out all the old coats that nobody wears any more and take them to a local homeless shelter. Let your kids see the people who might make good use of their old coats. Putting a face on the needy makes the giving more personal and more meaningful.