Celebrating Kindness with Kids
Today is World Kindness Day! No better time to celebrate kindness during these uncertain times where many struggles are taking place globally due to many factors including COVID-19 lockdowns. How do you celebrate this day with your children? First up, what is this day all about? World Kindness Day is to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us. Kindness is a fundamental part of the human condition which bridges the divides of race, religion, politics, gender and zip codes. Kindness Cards are also an ongoing activity which can either be passed on to recognise an act of kindness and or ask that an act of kindness be done (Wikipedia). Why is it so important to teach kindness to children? Kindness is an interpersonal human ‘skill’ – something every child should foster much like ’empathy’! The most fundamental step in teaching the virtue of kindness is making sure kids understand what kindness means? Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate but what I think is important is to teach children that kindness is an interpersonal ‘skill’ that can help them nurture, love and prosper in everyday life. Here are several things you may tell your child:
- Kindness is when you help another person and expect nothing in return
- Kindness is a virtue
- Kindness makes the world a beautiful place
- Kindness makes you feel good while helping others in need
- Kindness can make you feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness
- Kind people never expect anything back
- Acts of kindness increase energy and give a wonderful feeling of optimism
- Kindness is free
- Kindness gives you a feeling of gratitude
Kindness Quotations:
- “Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” – Barbara De Angelis
- “What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?” – Jean-Jacques Rousseau
- “You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.” – Pubilius Syrus
- “Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.” – Eric Hoffer
There are many ways you can celebrate this day with your children. Consider making and hanging up big colourful poster that lists kind deeds your family can do for one another. This is a really simple and fun exercise and It will help serve as a constant reminder of unique and simple ways to make the world a little better. And no better time than to be ‘kind’ now as many people maybe struggling and one little kind gesture can make another person ‘feel’ better! A kind word, a smile, a wave, opening a door, or helping carry a heavy load can all be acts of kindness. Tonight in Graffiti Club I will be keeping the kids busy designing gratitude wall hangings to celebrate this unique day and to remind themselves that kindness is a virtue that should be celebrated! 
Heidi Ellen Love
