Are you wondering why kindness is important? What are some random acts of kindness for kids to do? What can families do together to show kindness? Don’t worry – I got you! There are some great ideas listed below to help you get started as well as some free printables!
Why is Kindness Important?
There are several benefits of kindness that we can talk about, but I think the most important reason to practice kindness is that God commands it. Ephesians 4:32 is a common verse that reminds us to be kind to others, but there are many others.
Other benefits of kindness include getting our focus off ourselves and onto others, giving us satisfaction on a social and emotional level, and giving us opportunity to practice our creativity. Other benefits of kindness are that it allows us to connect with others as well as boosts our overall health and wellbeing. Being kind allows us to explore what who we are and what we enjoy.
How do You Explain Random Acts of Kindness to Kids?
How you explain random acts of kindness to your children will vary depending on their age. Young children will only need a simple explanation.
“We do kind things for others because we want to show them love.” “Random acts of kindness help us think of others.” “Jesus wants us to show kindness to those around us.”
However, you can definitely go more in-depth with older children. Explain why you want to do or have them do acts of kindness toward others. What is your main reason? Explain that people who are shown a kindness are more likely to be kinder toward others. Let them know that sharing acts of kindness will brighten another’s day. Definitely talk about how Jesus wants us to love on others.
Random Acts of Kindness for Kids Ideas
This is by no means an exhaustive list of kindness ideas for kids, but these ideas will hopefully get your creative juices flowing. They will also help you start looking for ways to go out of your way to be kind to others.
- Ask for donations instead of birthday gifts.
- Send a letter to a relative or friend.
- Leave a note in a library book.
- Make a gift for a friend.
- Return a stray shopping cart.
- Tell someone how much you love them.
- Write thank you cards for all your birthday or Christmas gifts.
- Teach someone a new activity.
- Help an elderly person with their groceries.
- Donate old toys.
Random acts of kindness at home
There are so many your children can show kindness at home. Give them some ideas to get started and then let them think of their own.
- Do a chore for a sibling.
- Take younger siblings outside to play.
- Don’t complain all day long.
- Draw a picture for a family member.
- Help with the dishes.
- Give a hug.
- Set the table.
- Read a book to someone.
- Make popcorn for family movie night.
- Call your grandparents and ask them about their childhood.
- Clean your room without being asked.
- Help your mom make dinner.
Simple random acts of kindness
What are some simple random acts of kindness? Check out the following list. Kindness doesn’t have to be hard. The simplest of kind gestures can help those around us feel loved and cared for. Pick one to try today.
- Hold the door open for someone.
- Lend your friend a book.
- Feed the birds.
- Let someone go ahead of you in line.
- Smile at everyone.
- Compliment a friend or family member.
- Talk to someone new at school, church, or in the neighborhood.
- Make someone laugh.
- Chalk a positive message on the sidewalk.
- Ask for donations instead of birthday gifts.
- Send a letter to a relative or friend.
- Leave a note in a library book.
- Make a gift for a friend.
- Return a stray shopping cart.
- Tell someone how much you love them.
- Write thank you cards for all your birthday or Christmas gifts.
- Teach someone a new activity.
- Say hello to everyone you pass.
What does the Bible say about the role of a mother? To learn more about being a godly mother, check out these 10 characteristics of a good mother according to the Bible.
Random acts of kindness for your family
Get in on practicing random acts of kindness as a family. Not only will it give you a family activity, but it will promote family relationships and bonding. Acts of kindness and practicing gratitude go hand in hand. If you have a favorite family kindness activity, be sure to let me know below.
- Pick up trash at a local park.
- Bake cookies for a neighbor.
- Leave out treats and drinks for delivery drivers.
- Make dinner for a family in need.
- Volunteer at a local food pantry.
- Write letters for soldiers.
- Tape quarters to parking meters.
- Leave a note and treat for the mail carrier.
- Write kind notes and leave on cars.
- Donate to Toys for Tots.
- Bake a treat for the local firefighters or police.
- Host a neighborhood ice cream social.
- Plant a tree.
- Donate unused clothing that’s still in good shape.
- Leave kindness stones at the park or in neighborhood.
- Leave bubbles at the park.
- Visit residents at a local nursing home.
- Make blessing bags for the homeless.
Random Acts of Kindness Printables
Need some help in your kindness journey? Check out these FREE random acts of kindness printables! For best results, print out on cardstock.
Free printable kindness cards
Keep some of these in your purse to give out as you or your child do an act of kindness for someone. You can leave them with a treat or gift. If you do an anonymous kindness, you can leave the card where the recipient will find it.
Acts of kindness calendar
This acts of kindness calendar will help you keep kindness on your mind. There are many ideas of ways you can show kindness to your family or those around you. Place it on your fridge or other common location and see how many you can do.
Kindness is important to show love and serve others. It helps get our focus off ourselves and onto those around us. It helps us appreciate what others do to serve us. Most importantly, kindness helps us show the love of Jesus.
What are some of your children’s or family’s favorite random acts of kindness? Which are you going to try this week? Be sure to comment below. If you love this content, be sure to join my email list for many more freebies and motherhood helps.
Be sure to also read:
- Growing in the Practice of Gratitude
- 15 Ways to Serve Others as a Family
- How to Raise a Grateful Child: Top 9 Tips
