Acts of Kindness for Kids

Sneak peek: Acts of kindness for children that can help them learn about caring for others.

All of us, even our children, face daily challenges and struggles. Through my research on stress and coping that I did in grad school, one big point that was reiterated repeatedly was that how well individuals cope with stress has more to do with their emotional skills than the stressful event itself. In other words, it is within our power (at least to some degree) to manage our reactions to stressful events. One key way that the research literature points to on how to do this is through making meaning of the stressful event.

For children, meaning-making often happens through action. For example, the loss of a beloved pet is a common but heartbreaking experience for many children. In this situation, making meaning of the pet’s loss might involve not only memorializing it but perhaps also doing an act of kindness by working at a local animal shelter. Kids often learn best through hands-on action. In that spirit, I’ve compiled a collection of hands-on acts of kindness for children that they can do to fuel their spirits or just to contribute to the greater happiness in the world.

All of us, even our children, face daily challenges and struggles. Through my research on stress and coping that I did in grad school, one big point that was reiterated repeatedly was that how well individuals cope with stress has more to do with their emotional skills than the stressful event itself. In other words, it is within our power (at least to some degree) to manage our reactions to stressful events. One key way that the research literature points to on how to do this is through making meaning of the stressful event.

Related reading: The Secret to Raising Happy Kids: Don’t Focus on Happiness

Acts of Kindness for Children

Messages for the Elderly

Writing simple notes or cards for elderly members of your neighborhood, family or assisted living center. Kids love doing crafts and artwork. Elderly folks love seeing kids’ work. It’s a win-win for all involved. Some people (particularly assisted living centers or nursing homes) prefer emailed messages rather than paper, but you can ask. One assisted living center in our town specifically asked for emailed artwork from kids.

Window Decoration

Oftentimes, communities encourage kids to post their artwork and words of kindness on their windows for neighbors to see when they go for walks. They can be simple drawings on paper, artwork with washable window markers or window clings. Our town does this each year for Halloween where businesses allow children to paint seasonal artwork on their windows.

Photo from Williston Herald article

Call or Video Chat with Relatives

Keeping in touch with distant loved ones may not seem like much, but it can make a big difference in the lives of family members. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins usually love video chatting with kids who live far away. Get creative! You can encourage grandparents to read books or play games with kids during video chat. Cousins can play board games together or show each other their favorite toys.

Kindness Rocks

Kids can paint their own rocks or buy a simple kit like this one. Then leave the rocks in your local park, neighborhood walking trail or a neighbor’s yard. A simple, safe way to spread some cheer!

Messages for Delivery Workers

The hardworking folks who deliver the many packages that come to most of us need encouragement too! Kids can write notes to leave on paper and tape to the front window or door. They could also use washable window markers or window clings to leave kind messages for delivery people.

Support First Responders

Firefighters, police officers, and paramedics all put themselves at risk to keep us safe. Little acts of kindness to support them can help them feel our gratitude. Kids can make cards (paper or email) or send video or voice messages of support.

Hopefully, these simple acts of kindness for children can help them cope with struggles and learn that helping others is really the path to true happiness.