Kindness is defined as: “The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.” A second definition is “a kind act.”
While there is a specific day that celebrates random acts of kindness (and we here at Jax Mom love our holiday kindness calendar), shouldn’t we practice kindness every day? I certainly think so. I practically preach at my kids all day long, “Kindness matters, small people! Be kind to each other.”
Doing something nice for someone else not only blesses them, but it can help you forget your own troubles, as well. Trust me on this one, it’s science.
As Aesop said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” So, without further ado, here are a few fun ways to pass kindness around like confetti!
Send a small gift card to someone via text message. It’s very convenient — most of the time the recipient does need the app of the store or restaurant on their phone, but it’s simple and quick and can make a friend smile knowing that someone is thinking of them. My favorites are Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks.
Pay it forward. We all know and love this one. While in the drive-thru line, pay for the order of the person behind you. They’ll never be able to thank you, but you’ll know you made their day. You also never know how far your act of kindness can extend!
Share a few simple words. Send a text message telling someone you are thinking of them, or leave a Post-It for your spouse on the bathroom mirror telling them their butt looks good.
Bring in your neighbors’ trash cans for them. Better yet, teach your kids to do this one! I made my 8-year-old son do this the other day, and though he originally complained about the chore, he later admitted it felt nice to help out.
Send someone a handwritten note. When was the last time you received a good old-fashioned card or letter? Bonus points for having your kiddo draw a picture to go with it.
Help an elderly neighbor pull their weeds, or plant some flowers in your school flowerbeds. This is another one kids can help with! A friend of mine recently suggested we have our kids work together and pull weeds by the school sign (since COVID, none of the usual “school beautification” meetups have been allowed). The kids loved going through carline the following day and seeing the fruits of their labor!
Leave a sweet treat or surprise for your mail carrier or sanitation workers. Hey, who doesn’t love an unexpected gift?
Be kind to other drivers while on the road. You never know what news someone just found out, or if they are simply having a bad day. Extend grace. Usually, in my van, little ears and eyes are watching my every move, and I need to set a good example!
Drop off cupcakes, doughnuts, or a treat to your kids’ school or doctor’s office. We all know it has been a rough year — share a little sunshine!
Smile at a fellow mom when her toddler is having a meltdown in Aisle 3. We’ve all been there — a simple smile or sympathetic look could help her feel less awkward during this moment!
Kindness Ideas From Kids (ages 4–8)
These kids (okay, confession — they’re my littles) have the right idea when it comes to ways to show kindness throughout the year!
- Hold a friend’s hand if they are scared on a new ride.
- Help a friend up when they fall.
- Catch a small kid at the end of the slide.
- Give friends clues for how to spell their spelling words.
- If you are faster than your friend while you’re running, slow down so they can catch up to you.
- Make Mommy her coffee in the morning (not saying she’s my favorite but…).
- Help someone learn how to read or read to them.
- If a kid doesn’t know what dessert to pick another kid could pick it for them.
- Scoop someone’s ice cream for them.
- If they need help writing a ‘Z’ for ‘zebra,’ you can show them how to write it.
Bonus: Sometimes what we DON’T say can show kindness! In our day and age where there is much judgment online, taking a breath before giving our opinions could be considered extremely kind!
Tell us — what is your favorite way to show kindness?
