Gather your family and open a conversation about older adults in your lives—grandparents, great-aunts, elderly neighbors, or community members. Ask your child, 'Why do you think older people are special?' Listen for answers about wisdom, experience, or family history. Explain that elders have lived long lives full of stories and lessons. They've watched the world change, raised families, and often feel lonely or overlooked as they age. Respecting elders means valuing what they've contributed and showing kindness in simple ways. Share a memory of an elder who meant something to you. Make the connection personal, not abstract. Then explain that today you'll choose one way to show respect or bring joy to an elder.

Now brainstorm simple, concrete actions your child can do to honor an elder today. Ideas: call or video chat with a grandparent and ask about their childhood, write a thank-you note to an older relative, help an elderly neighbor carry groceries, read a book aloud to someone with poor vision, teach an elder how to use a smartphone app they've been struggling with, or simply visit and listen to their stories without rushing. Pick one action that fits your child's age and comfort level. A 3-year-old can draw a picture for Grandma; a 12-year-old can interview Grandpa about his life. Make sure the action is something your child can complete within the next hour or two so it feels immediate and real.

Now it's time to follow through. If your child is calling a grandparent, help them prepare a few questions beforehand so there's no awkward silence. If they're writing a note, provide nice paper or art supplies and let them personalize it. If you're visiting a neighbor to help with chores, show up together and let your child lead the interaction. Encourage your child to be fully present—no rushing, no distractions. Listen when the elder talks. Make eye contact. Ask follow-up questions. If they share a story, show genuine interest. If you're doing a physical task like raking leaves, work cheerfully and don't complain. The goal is to give the elder your full, kind attention for at least 10-15 minutes.

After the action is complete, sit down with your child to debrief. Ask open-ended questions: 'How do you think Grandma felt when you called?' 'What did you learn from her stories?' 'Did anything surprise you?' 'How did helping our neighbor make you feel?' Listen to their reflections without steering them toward a 'right' answer. Kids might say it felt awkward at first, or that they didn't expect the elder to be so happy, or that they learned something new. Affirm their honesty. Share your own observations: 'I noticed Grandpa's face lit up when you asked about his job.' Help your child see the impact of small kindnesses—elders often feel invisible, so attention is a gift. Talk about making this a regular habit, not just a one-time thing.

Wrap up by discussing how to make honoring elders a regular part of your family life. Maybe you commit to calling a grandparent once a week, visiting an elderly neighbor monthly, or helping with yard work quarterly. Write it down or add it to a family calendar. Encourage your child to think of other elders who might appreciate attention—maybe a teacher who retired, or a great-grandparent in a nursing home. Talk about how respect shows up in daily interactions too: holding doors, using polite language, listening without interrupting, asking about their day. Reinforce that elders aren't just people to 'help'—they're full of wisdom and stories worth knowing. Celebrate your child's effort today and frame this as the start of an ongoing practice.