Kindness activities for kids – because we can change the world with one random act of kindness at a time.
Did you know that a 2014 Harvard study suggested parents valued their children’s success at school over compassion & kindness toward others? Out of the 10,000 students surveyed, students were three times more likely to agree than disagree with this statement:
“My parents are prouder if I get good grades in my classes than if I’m a caring community member.”
Here’s the thing: If our kids believe their self-worth is measured with grades & standardized test scores, we deny them of the benefits that come standard with being kind, such as:
Sense of Self-Worth & Belonging – Even the smallest act of kindness come with what is known as “helper’s high” a rush of endorphins that fosters a sense of pride in ourselves & feelings of optimism.
Grateful Mindset – The act of giving helps our kids put life into perspective and allows them to see the impact they can make with one simple act of human kindness.
Here’s what: For the most part, I believe parents want to raise kind children, but somewhere between the classroom & the non-stop competition, the important message of empathy & compassion gets lost. Ask a parent Do You Want Your Kids To Be Kind? – & the answer will be a resounding yes.
Watch This Video: 10 Incredible Acts of Kindness
Video via Top Trending
How do we raise our kids to be kind?
Stop the Judgment. Kindness is about compassion & love, and it is impossible to love someone & judge them simultaneously. Judgment includes making fun of strangers, talking negatively about others & yourself.
Talk to Your Kids. Engage them with questions & truly listen to their response. Watch their favorite TV or Netflix shows & the YouTubers they admire- talk about the behaviors you see. What shows are kind? What characters are sympathetic? Get to know your child & their perceptions about the world around them. Talk to them about how their behavior affects others.
Be An Example: Character is what you do when no one is watching. But when you’re a parent, your kids are always watching. Let them witness your empathetic gestures & compassion. Trust me; kids model their behavior after what they see you DO not SAY. Witnessing your kindness in action will have a more significant impact than anything you tell them!
Finally, get inspired to teach kids about kindness! The following list of 50 kindness activities for kids is a fabulous place to start!
50 Kindness Activities for Kids
- Start a piggy bank for a cause or charity.
- Give kindness rocks
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- Go grocery shopping for foods to donate to the food pantry
- Clean your room without being asked
- Do your sister’s chores
- Cook a meal or dessert for a neighbor
- Pick up trash (even if it is not yours)
- Kindness Kisses – Put Hershey’s kisses on a note card with a fun message, quote, or compliment.
- Wear a silly costume for the day & see how many people you can make laugh
- Donate toys & clothes to The Salvation Army or Goodwill
- Write Thank You Notes (Try these Kindness Postcards:))
- Take snacks to the local police or fire department & thank them for their service.
- Help a friend with their homework
- Ask your parent or grandparent to tell you their favorite story about being your age & listen.
- Pay It Forward: The next time you’re at a drive-through – pick up the bill for the next person in line with your allowance money.
- Carry someone’s groceries
- Leave an inspirational message with chalk.
- Cut coupons & tape them to grocery store items.
- Help an older person cross the street
- Share your toys (without being asked)
- Tell someone they’re Awesome Sauce.
- Start a Lemonade or Water Stand during the summer – at no charge
- Hold the elevator for someone.
- Give up your seat in a waiting room or on a bus, train, etc.
- Smile:)) Make a goal to smile at at least 10 people per day
- Send your favorite teacher a note telling them how they helped you
- Volunteer at a:
- Nursing home
- Food pantry
- Women’s shelter
- Humane Society
- Surprise someone with Kindness Bubbles
- Leave $1.00 in a vending machine
- Return grocery carts to the inside of the store
- Say Thank You
- Tape a coin roll to a washer or dryer in a laundry mat
- Ask your waiter about their day & then really listen to the answer
- Hold the door open for the next person
- Make & give friendship bracelets. (Try this activity from The OT Toolbox:))
- Stand up for someone who is being teased or bullied.
- Babysit for someone you know – maybe a single parent or family with a special needs child- for free
- Make a new friend every time you go to the playground
- Sit with a kid at lunch who is alone
- Let someone else go first
- Be the first person to greet someone with Good Morning
- Give the bank teller a piece of candy
- Give out Smile It Forward Kindness Cards (Check out these free printable cards via Kids Activities:))
- Encourage a friend
- Treat a friend to a movie ticket
- Call a relative you rarely see
- Write a Kindness Matters Journal (Here’s a free printable idea via Teachers Pay Teachers)
- Tape bags of microwave popcorn on a RedBox
- Write a good review of a restaurant or business you love.
- Be kind to yourself
Do you have a favorite random act of kindness? Share it!
What To Read Next:
36 Positive Things to Say to Your Kids Everyday
How To Raise Confident Girls
And Please Spread The Word! Share these Kindness Activities for Kids!
