We have heard a lot lately about random acts of kindness by adults, like paying for the groceries of the person behind you at the supermarket or taking an older person out for an afternoon drive. We have extremely wealthy people giving away chunks of their fortunes to the needy and church folks going out into the community to help those in need.
It is equally important to teach our kids that giving unconditionally is something they can also be involved in. To give someone else pleasure in a world that has become so self-centered, is a very strong value to instill into the whole family. Here are some suggestions for kids to learn kindness:
1) Hold the door open for those behind you.
2) Say good morning to your teacher, principal, school officials and classmates.
3) Offer to let your classmate go first.
4) Ask if you can take your neighbor’s dog for a walk.
5) Invite someone new over for a play-date.
6) Collect dry products and canned goods for a food bank.
7) Volunteer to be a tutor or mentor in a school, especially if there is an area in
which you can help another student.
8) Give someone a compliment at least once every day.
9) Color a picture, make something or send a treat to a senior center or nursing home.
10) Donate your unwanted toys and books to children in need.
11) Write a thank you note to your teacher, your coach, a firefighter, your mentor or
someone who has influenced you in a positive way.
12) Clean up the area around your school or a local park, picking up trash and
putting it in the garbage can. You can also help your teacher clean up the
classroom.
13) Be extra kind to your bus driver. Say hello when you get on the bus and say
thank you.
14) Call your grandparent(s) or other special family members who you do not see
often.
15) Set aside 10% of your allowance to give away to charities or church so that
others will benefit.
16) Write a note to your parent(s) or grandparent(s) and tell them why they are
special to you.
17) Help around the house without being asked to do so, such as cleaning your room,
taking out the garbage or helping with the laundry.
18) Going to a new school can be really scary so be friendly to any new students
that may come to your class or grade.
19) Organize the clothes you don’t wear anymore and donate them to a clothing
drive or shelter.
20) Smile. Smiling is easy and happiness is contagious!
by Brian Burgess, Forefront Families
www.forefrontfamilies.org
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