At our house, we often talk about thinking of others; however, last week I was reminded that actions speak louder than words. One morning, as I sat at a red light with my children in the car, I saw a disheveled man drinking out of a bottle wrapped in a brown paper bag. He rushed to cross the street just as my light changed, and as I was about to show my frustration, the gentleman turned my way, gave me a thumbs up, mouthed “thanks,” and smiled. Then, he pulled a dollar and some change out of his pocket and gave it to a homeless man standing on the corner. I was humbled. And, I asked myself when the last time was that I did something selfless for others.
Thus began a conversation between my daughter and me about how we were going to make a list of things we could do for the people we share our world with. Ours is a little more tailored for a three and a half year old, but here is one I thought might work for children of various ages. I hope you will join our family on this quest to spread a little joy one random act of kindness at a time.
Random Acts of Kindness For Kids
- Let someone cut in front of you at the checkout line.
- Sit with someone new at lunch today.
- Share a compliment with a stranger.
- Leave cheerful sidewalk chalk messages for your neighbor.
- Deliver a homemade meal to a friend who is ill.
- Leave a thank you note on a firetruck.
- Pass out cold water bottles to construction workers.
- Thank a military member for their service.
- Pay the toll for the car behind you.
- Leave out lemonade for your postal worker.
- Go to the library and turn as many books spine out as possible.
- Select a few toys that are in good condition to donate to a children’s charity.
- Leave flowers on your neighbor’s porch.
- Make a homemade card for your coach or counselor.
- Leave your sibling(s) notes around the house listing things you think make them special.
- Send a picture to a relative who lives elsewhere and tell them what your favorite part of summer has been.
- Call a classmate you haven’t seen all summer and tell them you look forward to seeing them when school starts.
- Tape a dollar to a Coke machine with a note that says “Hope this perks you up!”
- Place trinkets (treasure) in a local community sandbox.
- Take in your neighbor’s garbage cans.
- Donate your talents to an assisted living community.
- Leave your favorite book with an inspirational message in the cover on a park bench or in a waiting room.
- Ask your waiter what his or her name is and use it when you thank them for their service.
- Pick a garden you admire in your neighborhood and leave a note saying it wins your family’s “garden of the month” award.
- Drop off donuts to your local police station.
- Leave bubbles at a local Boys and Girls Club.
- Set up a free lemonade stand on a hot day.
- When you’ve had good service, call or tell the store manager so the employee can be recognized.
- Clean your room without asking.
- Smile and say hello to everyone you see.
From one mom to another, maybe we can each take a moment to find a mom who looks like she needs a boost of confidence and tell her that she is doing a great job. I guarantee she will pass along the kindness.
Loved the examples you shared making it doable with a toddler! I have a 9 month old, but will definitely apply these when she is older. Kindness and empathy are very important things to teach kids!
It is a good act of kindness ideas list for kids. Kids also need to take part in act of kindness activities.