We can always use more kindness in the world! Being kind is one of the easiest things you can do to help brighten someone else's day. Have you ever had someone in line ahead of you pay for your coffee? Or have you ever had someone unexpectedly give you flowers? Start with a simple smile and maybe a hello! This is a good habit to start in honor of Random Acts of Kindness day, but then keep it going each and every day throughout the year.
Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17: It's a great reason to do something nice for someone — whether it's someone you know or someone you don't. It's also a great day to show your children the power of small gestures. The best part about random acts of kindness? They're catching! This is one vibe you want to catch, so spread those good vibes far and wide!
Here are 10 ideas to help get you started:
1. Just Smile!
This is the easiest one of all, look at people you encounter and smile, maybe even say hi.
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2. Give positive affirmations and compliments throughout the day
This is a great one to do with kids. Keep an eye out for people who you can compliment and build up. It doesn't cost anything, but it will brighten someone's day! Lead by example and encourage your kids to do the same.
3. Make homemade cards or draw a picture to brighten someone's day
Kids love to draw. Residents of local nursing homes, assisted living facilities, veterans homes, military service members and kids in children's hospitals love to receive extra attention. This is an easy way for your kids to make someone else's day brighter! Be sure to call ahead and ask the best way to do this.
4. Start a Cleanup
Grab a bag to collect trash the next time you head out for a walk, hike or visit to the playground then pick up litter during your explorations. See who can find the most interesting piece of trash? How much did they collect? Make sure you and your kids wear gloves - maybe bring a grabber or shovel so you don't have to touch the dirtier items!
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5. Donate to a local shelter
Find a local shelter near you and find out what they need. A homeless or veterans shelter might need warm socks, while a women or family shelter might need craft supplies or toys for kids. An animal shelter might need blankets and cleaning products. Ask your kids to help you shop or find gently-used items around your house that those in need can use. You can even offer to collect items from neighbors or friends and drop off for them.
6. Let the principal know how great your child's teacher is
Our teachers work hard day in and day out for our kids, often with little recognition. Make sure they — and their superiors — know how much you appreciate them.
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7. Start a pay-it-forward chain at your local coffee shop
Next time you get your morning cup of joe pay for the person behind you. Take your kids and sit quietly at a table nearby for a few minutes to see if your act of kindness cascades as the next customer pays for the person behind them.
8. Rock with Kindness
Share kind word, inspiring messages or images painted on rocks; give them out or leave them for others to find. There are many ways to do this, you can leave them all in one place with an inspiring sign encouraging people to take one and share or leave each one in a different spot as a surprise to brighten someone's day.
Supplies:
- Rocks - smooth on one side works best, large enough for your image or message
- Acrylic paint or spray paint for base
- Paint markers or sharpies for details
- Sealer
- brushes
- water cup
- newspaper or paper plates so you don't make a mess
How to: Wash and dry rocks, spray or brush on base coat - let dry then paint with image or message.
Macaroni Tip: Consider using non-toxic paint, especially if they will be left out in our environment or handled by kids
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9. Chalk it up
Let your kids draw picture that will brighten people day as they pass by. Older kids can write inspiring messages or even just kind word - younger kids may need your help.
10. Spread random acts of kindness throughout the day
Buy gift cards in small amounts and leave with people such as a cashier or your mail carrier. Buy flowers for your neighbor or librarian. Check in on a friend or relative you haven't heard from in a while. These little acts of kindness mean a lot to those on the receiving end.
Remember, one act of kindness — no matter how big or little — can make the world a brighter place. So, don’t forget to go out there and share your kindness with the world!
Happy Random Acts of Kindness Day! :)
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