By Melanie Linn Gutowski

Wednesday, February 17, marked the start of Lent, the 40-day Christian season of sacrifice and penitence preceding Easter.  Even if your family does not observe Lent, it can be a good time for savvy aunties to help our nieces and nephews find ways to make a difference in the world around them.

Though Lent is often associated with "giving something up," positive contributions are also encouraged; here are some activities to consider.

Focus

Lent can be a good time to accomplish personal goals.  Does your niece or nephew have a project to complete, like reading a new book or learning a new skill?  Help him or her to set up a schedule for the next few weeks and check in to see how they're doing at regular intervals.

Help Out

Have a conversation with your nieces and nephews about what they might be able to do to help out around the house.  Some ideas might include trying not to argue with their siblings, doing household chores without having to be asked, or keeping their room clean.

Volunteer

Help your nieces and nephews appreciate what they have. Take them to a local animal shelter to help walk dogs, or collect canned goods for your local food bank. Help them go through toys and other belongings and find items to donate to charities.

Donate

Your nieces and nephews may even be willing to part with some of their allowance to help other kids in need. Chances are, they love to text, so why not let them send a text donation in support of victims of Haiti's earthquake? Use your own phone--or get permission to use a parent's--and text 'Haiti' to 90999.  A $10 donation will appear on your cell phone bill.

If they're an iPod junkie, they may also want to download the new "We Are the World 25" single in support of Haiti victims.  

Of course, there's really no reason to stop doing good deeds once Lent is over - encourage your nieces and nephews to find ways to help out all year long.

Melanie Linn Gutowski is a freelance writer and a proud Godmother.