Random Acts of Kindness for Families

Acts of kindness are some of the best activities you can do with your kids. They are a great way to bond as a family and teach kids about compassion and service.

Any act of kindness, no matter how big or small, can make a positive difference – especially when done intentionally. Research from Oxford University suggests that being kind to others causes a small, but significant, improvement in one’s well-being.

Here are 10 acts of kindness that you can share with your kids. Some are great to do as a family, while others are meant for your child to do alone.

1. FaceTime your grandparents
Although nothing tops an actual visit with your grandparents, using Skype or FaceTime is a step up from phone calls. Set up weekly dates that everyone can look forward to and that can become part of a weekly routine. Both children and grandparents will enjoy this time together.

2. Bake cookies for a neighbor
Spread joy with a plate of delicious homemade cookies or other baked goods. Have your child pick out which recipe to use and get baking! Deliver the goodies as a family, with a note to pay it forward with other neighbors. If you need a dairy-free recipe, we suggest our delicious lemon blueberry muffins.

3. Walk dogs at the animal shelter

Give the animals at your local humane society some extra love by volunteering to walk the dogs.

4. Do a sibling’s chore
Create an acts of kindness jar with your kids and have them fill it with marbles each time they do something nice for each other like doing a sibling’s chore.

5. Donate clothes you don’t wear anymore

Your clothing donation can make a difference in someone’s life. Go through your closet as a family and donate good quality clothing that you no longer wear.

6. Donate old books to your local library

Your pile of gently used books can help others who enjoy reading as much as your family. Here’s a list of 5 places where your book donation can make a meaningful difference.

7. Donate a bag of groceries to your local food bank
According to statistics from the USDA, approximately 15 million U.S households were food insecure at some time during 2017. Help families in need by going grocery shopping for items that food banks need the most.

8. Visit the elderly at a nursing home

Visiting a nursing home can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Seniors living in nursing homes can get lonely, but by spending time with the residents, your family will brighten their day.

9. Send coloring books to kids in the hospital
It’s tough for a child to have to be in the hospital. Help brighten their day with a healthy dose of creativity. Include an encouraging note from your family to make the gift even more special.

10. Eat lunch with someone new
Encourage your child to sit with someone new at lunch to help them build new friendships and make other kids feel included.

Commit to doing at least one act of kindness as a family this year and watch your happiness grow!

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