Even the smallest and most simple act of caring or generosity can brighten someone’s day. And acts of kindness are contagious. Doing something kind for someone else can inspire them to do something kind for another person, and the ball keeps rolling from there.

And…even the little ones can participate in acts of kindness!

It’s been a tough few years for many of us. Most people were affected in some throughout the pandemic, whether through illness, sick loved ones, changes in home and school scheduling or loss of jobs or financial resources. All of these impacts brought on a lot of grief, fear and generally discouraging emotions.

A small act of generosity is a good way to start bringing a little light back into people around you. This practice also teaches kids positivity and how to be caring and kind to others.

What is a random act of kindness?

A random act of kindness is a gesture of kindness or thoughtfulness done without expecting anything in return. These acts can be for someone you know or a complete stranger. They can be anonymous, like putting coins into an expired parking meter. Or they can be up front and direct, like giving up your seat on a bus for someone else to sit.

Great Small Acts of Kindness for Kids

Here are some ideas to get you started. These simple acts of kindness ideas are perfect to get your children involved and teach them how good it can feel to make others smile!

·   Have your child hold the door open for someone, even if it means waiting around a little longer than usual.

·   Genuinely compliment a stranger walking by. Tell your child to point out someone’s cool shoes, nice hair or just tell them how beautiful or handsome they look.

·    Donate old clothes or toys. Kids definitely grow out of those clothes quickly and what better way to show kindness than giving those clothes over to someone else in need. Have your child also donate one or a few toys they’ve stopped playing with, letting them know that other children will love it just as much as they did.

·    Bake goodies for friends, family members or schoolmates. The kids will love helping you make something delicious! Whip up a batch of their favorite cookies, brownies or cupcakes and surprise your neighbors or their classmates with a sweet treat one day.

·   Write letters of encouragement just to put a smile on someone’s face. Imagine getting a cute handwritten note from a child full of caring and encouraging words. This is sure to spread cheer!

·    Volunteer at a local animal shelter or other organization. Teach your child how to give back by switching up your weekend routine and donating your time to others in need of help.

·    Help a neighbor with yardwork. See someone outside raking leaves or watering their garden? Skip on over with your kiddo and offer to lend them a helping hand so they have more time for other activities they love.

·    Forgo gifts to raise money for a local charity. Rather than getting birthday gifts this year, encourage your child to ask friends and family to donate to a charity of their choice instead. Show them how sacrificing material things to help others in the community can feel a thousand times better than those gifts!

·    Offer to pick up a neighbor’s groceries. You may have an elderly neighbor who has trouble getting around or a neighbor who is ill or otherwise unable to easily run errands. Have your child volunteer to visit the grocery store with you and pick up whatever they need. Groceries are a necessity, and this is sure to take a little bit of stress of someone’s plate.