They learn about kindness. They see citizenship in action. They learn people are more alike than different.

Teens who volunteer regularly get better grades. They know more about future careers than those who don’t. Here are some tips on how you can get your whole family involved:

• Decide on volunteer projects as a family. Involve your kids in making the choice. Even your youngest will see why the family should help build a playground. When kids have a say in what the family does, they are more likely to pitch in.

• Start small. Try some one-time projects at first. After awhile, you will find the schedule and the project that are the right fit for your family.

• Look for projects that let kids do something real. Kids know when they’re doing “make work.” At a soup kitchen, the youngest children can fold napkins and set tables while older children make sandwiches. Painting is another project that can involve everyone.

• Talk about what you do and see. Be sure to praise your child for the things he did. “I was so proud of you when you carried the tray for that mother. She needed a hand!”

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