“When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world.” ~ Kindness Matters
As parents, we do our best to teach our children to choose kindness above all else. We teach them to treat others as we would want to be treated. Despite our best efforts, this may not always happen. They are only kids after all. They are learning their place in this world and how their behavior impacts others. I have quickly learned that having boys comes with its fair share of fighting, yelling and snarky comments. I do my best to teach them compassion, empathy and kindness but, ultimately, they will learn from their own experiences.
“Your world is changed by your example, not your opinion.” ~ Paulo Cohello
It is easy to pass judgment on the mom whose child is misbehaving or on the child that shows little awareness of their social behavior; however, it is OUR behavior that leads to change NOT our opinion. We must show our children through modeling how to be kind people and make the world a better place. We can explain to them about the importance of being kind; however, they won’t truly understand the scope of its importance until they see its impact on themselves and on others.
“The very nature of kindness is to spread.” ~ Sri Chinmoy
During the week of January 22-26, 2018, students all over the country are asked to join the Great Kindness Challenge. Throughout the week, children are encouraged to spread kindness by engaging in as many acts as they can. This amazing week-long mission is implemented by the non-profit group Kids for Peace. The hope is to create a school climate full of love, acceptance and kindness that will continue all year long.
To help get started with this amazing mission, we have put together a list of 25 ideas and suggestions to spread kindness this week and ALL YEAR long! We encourage you to share your acts of kindness on social media in order to spread the word. You can use the hashtag #GreatKindnessChallenge and #BeFearlessBeKind. We cannot wait to see the lives you will change this year!
25 Ways to Encourage Kindness
- Compliment 5 people
- Help someone carry shopping bags
- Hold the door open for someone
- Donate clothes to those in need
- Go through your toys and donate some to charity
- Buy a present for a family in need
- Offer to help your sibling with something
- Help your mom/dad clean the house without being asked
- Write and send a letter to a soldier
- Read a book to someone
- Share a snack with a friend at school
- Write a thank you note to your teacher
- Plant a tree
- Donate food to a local food bank
- Set up a lemonade stand and donate earnings to a good cause
- Make a meal for someone
- Shovel someone’s driveway
- Bring your grandmother flowers
- Give a thank you card to a policeman and/or fireman
- Help clean up the town
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen
- Donate pet food to an animal shelter
- Share your toys
- Invite a new friend to play
- Help with a baby sibling or cousin
These 25 acts of kindness are just a drop in the bucket when thinking about all the ways kids (and parents) can show kindness towards others. We encourage you to sit down as a family and come up with your own list. You can use some we have suggested and add some of your own. Print the list and have the kids check them off as they complete each task. Make spreading kindness your family mission!
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