April 17, 2014 
What is more heart-warming than receiving a gift from a child? And there's nothing like flowers in spring!
But we all know, it's not so much the gift that makes us happy. Even better, you see a young life developing generosity towards others.
It turns out this is true not just for grandparents.
Parents are much more concerned about their children becoming kind, compassionate and helpful than they are about their being successful, according to New York Times writer Adam Grant. And surveys show this is true with all ethnic groups in the US - and around the world.
"When people in 50 countries were asked to report their guiding principles in life, the value that mattered most was not achievement, but caring."
How to promote that wonderful characteristic? You will not be surprised - it is by action not words! In an interesting study of middle schoolers, where adults acted generously, children donated 85 percent more than the norm regardless of whether the adult advocated generosity or selfishness. See Raising A Moral Child to read more.
Here's a Global Grandfather - yes, there are some! - modelling that generosity - Grandpa Tony! Tony writes:
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Grandpa Tony and James
enjoy each other's company!
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"My wife and I live in California. Our new first grandson lives on the east coast. Going to visit him and help out has proven the most important gift we can give him now - and the most fun for us! He has so enhanced our understanding of the preciousness of new life. We have chosen to send a contribution to a group that supports needy children each time we visit our little James. Save the Children and the Polaris Project were our first two choices. As Global Grandparents we plan to continue this tradition - and add additional contributions for special occasion gifts." Every time you make a gift linked to a grandchild, or someone else you know and love, it takes on special significance. You know you are helping to secure the web of human relationships that gives life significance. Click here for GG's giving suggestions. And enjoy the new life of spring!
Sincerely, Diana McDonough President, Global Grandmothers
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