Smartphones, social media, video games, and TV are all distractions for even the littlest of kids today. Pressures from adults on issues such as climate change, sexual identity, and DEI affect youngsters' mental health. In a world full of uncertainty, many children find themselves lost, without guidance or direction. As grandparents, we are not just bystanders in this journey but active participants. We have the power to assist them in finding their path, influence their dreams, and guide them toward a sense of fulfillment. But how do you help them discover their dreams? Let's explore this journey of self-discovery and how to navigate it with your grandchildren.

Ah, childhood! It was a time of scraped knees, incessant questions, and a bewildering array of hobbies that included collecting rocks, stamps, and, if you were like me, volunteering. I am not sure if I decided to participate on my own. It could be that my older sister wanted to do it, and I followed suit, or my mom orchestrated the event so we could learn to give back. Regardless, before I realized it, I was whisked away with my sister for the ½ hour drive 2 days a week to volunteer at St. Therese Hospital as a Candy Striper.

Do you go to church? This is not a judgment question, just a simple question. Any church, synagogue, mosque, or temple in the past seven days? If you have, you are one of the 34% of the US adult population that regularly attend a religious service.

I was part of that statistic as a kid. I was raised Roman Catholic, more specifically, Polish Roman Catholic.

In our family, the intertwining of religious beliefs and cherished traditions plays a significant role in shaping our experiences and outlook on life. Rooted in Catholicism, our faith guides us in both the every day and the extraordinary moments of our lives.

Picture this: It's a sunny September school day in a quaint little town where everyone knows your family inside and out, including your family's bustling business. It's snack Tuesday, and like clockwork, the solemn nuns take the scheduled 10-minute snack break where the opportunity to purchase a penny candy or a single-stick salted pretzel on the honor system, has just begun. The line was about to be open for their hungry guests.

Teaching your grandchildren about spiritual capital is a profoundly meaningful and enduring gift that can leave a lasting impact, shaping their character and values throughout their lives. The process of instilling these profound principles can take various forms, and each aspect is essential in nurturing their spiritual growth.

How do you give back? It isn't just about money. Although it takes money to buy things to give back, it makes a more significant impact by giving a physical item rather than just cash as an example. There are seven ways to live generously: Thoughts, Words, Influence, Time, Attention, Belongings, and Money. How can you incorporate giving into everyday living? Start by sharing the stories, “I like _____.”