In a world that can be full of anger and hatred I want to teach my kids to be full of love and to show it every day even in simple ways. Here are some ways we are doing this, we would love to hear ways you are spreading kindness. Leave a comment and let me know how you spread kindness 🙂
1.) Collect foods and canned goods for a food bank. This is a great way to not only help others in need, you can use it as a time to clean out and organize your pantry. The hospital I work at recently had a food drive, I also know many churches that collect cans for the in need.
2.) Give someone a compliment at least once every day. Compliments can go so far. My dad used to always say, don’t let a compliment go unsaid and I try to live by that. Many times I think of nice things about others but end up not saying them out loud. One of my goals is to always let people know when I have something nice to say about them, and maybe not say anything when I don’t 🙂
3.) Color a picture, make a craft or send a treat to a grandparent or family member you don’t get to see very often. What a special moment for a grandparent that lives far away to receive a handwritten card or picture in the mail, esp if they are still quarantined.
4.) Organize the clothes, toys, and books you no longer want and donate to them to a clothing drive or shelter. This is again another way to clean and organize your closets, win-win!
5.) Write a thank you note to your teacher, coach, or someone who has influenced you in a positive way. Niky and Naty had the best teacher last year, seriously I cried when they had the last day of school video call. She has been so amazing to them in SO many ways. Including visiting Niky twice when he was in the hospital. She came unexpectedly the night before his surgery and was so comforting to me, a extremely scared mother! She also came the day after when his mouth was wired shut and was so patient and loving, I think he will always remember and appreciate her visit. She has told them that letters off appreciation is better than any store bought gift.
6.) Clean up the area around your school, park, or beach picking up trash and putting it in the garbage can. On Oahu cleaning up the beaches is another way to show kindness to your community, it can be as easy as picking up a few pieces of trash as you leave. And then throughly washing your hands (and having your children do the same)!
7.) Call your grandparent(s) or other special family members who you do not see often. If you have a major time difference sending a video message via email can be special as well.
8.) Help around the house without being asked to do so, such as cleaning your room, taking out the garbage or helping with the laundry. This goes for children and spouses. So many times my kids yell “but I didn’t make that mess” or “those aren’t my clothes on the floor.” Lately I have been rephrasing “who left this _____ on the floor” or “who forgot to____” to can “someone please help me clean this up?” Chris always asks the kids to leave the dinner table better than they found it. Picking up after your family members can be a labor of love, especially if you do it without asking for recognition.
BONUS: Smile. Simple, easy, free. Smiling is easy and happiness is contagious.
