When it comes to raising kind kids, it’s not about lecturing them on what they should and shouldn’t do. Kindness is a state of being that needs to be nurtured and cultivated. And the best way to do that is by getting your children involved in fun activities that teach them to perform an act of kindness.
8 ideas for things you can do with your kids to help them learn about an act of kindness
1. Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way for kids to learn about the importance of helping others. It also teaches them how to be compassionate and gracious. When they help others, they can see firsthand how their actions impact those around them. Volunteering is also a great way for kids to learn about empathy and gratitude. There are many ways for kids to volunteer, such as helping out at a local soup kitchen or animal shelter, or participating in a community cleanup project.
2. Make cards for sick children
Making cards for sick children is a wonderful way to show them that they are not alone and that people care about them. It also teaches kids the importance of compassion and sending kind thoughts to others. It also helps kids develop empathy and compassion. You can make cards for sick children with your kids at home, or participate in a card-making project organized by a local charity.
3. Bake cookies for the elderly
Baking cookies for the elderly is a fun activity that teaches kids about kindness and generosity. It also gives them an opportunity to connect with older people, which can be a rewarding experience for both parties. You can either bake cookies and take them to an elderly person’s home, or you can participate in a cookie drive at a nursing home or assisted living facility. It helps them make friends with the elderly, which may help them be more tolerant and patient as they grow older.
4. Plant flowers
Helping to plant flowers is a wonderful way for kids to learn about how their actions can have a positive impact on the world around them. It also helps them become more aware of their environment and increases their sense of stewardship. They will also learn how rewarding it can feel to nurture life and see something they planted come into bloom.
5. Visit animal shelters or zoos
Visiting animal shelters or zoos is a great way for kids to experience animals first-hand and learn more about them. It also teaches them about the importance of kindness and compassion toward animals. Many animal shelters and zoos have programs that allow kids to volunteer or help out, so be sure to check them out. It’s also an opportunity for children of all ages to show an act of kindness by feeding ducks at the park, or by volunteering to walk dogs at the shelter.
6. Make a kindness jar
A kindness jar is a great way to encourage kids to perform a random act of kindness. You can either make one yourself or buy one pre-made. All you need is a jar (or another container) and some paper strips on which kids can write down the kind things they do.
7. Do a random act of kindness
Random acts of kindness are a great way for kids to spread happiness and love all around them. It’s also a way for them to show their peers that they are friendly and compassionate. You can help your kids come up with ideas for a random act of kindness to someone, or you can make a chart where they can keep track of the kind things they do.
8. Send thank you notes
Sending thank you notes is a wonderful way to show gratitude toward other people and also teaches kids how important it is to be gracious and appreciative. There are many ways for kids to send thank you notes. They can write them by hand, create emails with photos and drawings, or make short videos as a thank you. All they need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone with Internet access, and an email account (if sending via email). Kids who love art will enjoy drawing pictures as their thank you.
