7 random acts of kindness for kids

"Be nice and don't bully." Chances are your child has been hearing this phrase at home, at school, or at extracurricular activities. Instead of making kindness a rule, how about showing kids that it's a superpower that makes them feel good about themselves and others? In fact, research shows that being kind increases happiness and well-being, while being kind increases peer acceptance.

Consider doing these seven random acts of kindness for kids. Every thought will help your child feel confident in their ability to affect the world around them.

This idea underscores the importance of positive discourse. Ask your child what kindness means to them, and encourage them to write a pleasant letter to someone special - new classmates, friends, or a teacher's aide are all good options. Feel free to get creative with the note; it could be a homemade card, a handwritten letter, or a set of drawings.

2. Demonstrate the power of encouragement

Grab some colored sticky notes and pens and have your child fill them with encouraging compliments, such as "You're awesome," "You can do it," or "You're a good friend." Tell them you're collecting notes for someone special. When your kids aren't looking, add their names to notes and hide them around the house for them to discover.

3. Pick up trash together

On your next walk around the neighborhood, collect a few pieces of trash with your child. Then discuss how each individual has the power to make the world a more beautiful place. You can do this random act of kindness in many other places too, from playgrounds to parking lots to the beach.

4. Find someone to thank

Kind words go a long way, and expressing gratitude is never a bad thing. Encourage your child to thank the teacher, the grocery store cashier, or the person who opened the door for them. You can even make games by finding people to thank together.

5. Add gratitude to your evening routine

For kids, discussing gratitude can be an eye-opening (and profound) experience. Before going to bed each night, ask your child what made them happy that day. Melissa Burmester, co-founder and chief strategist at Kindness.org shared, "I've started doing this with my 2-year-old and it's become one of my favorite times of the day. Yesterday she thanked the sun, figs stick and grandma."

6. Play "I Spy on Kindness"

Kindness is everywhere - we just need to start looking. When you go out with your kids, point out unexpected smiles, people helping strangers with shopping bags, people giving up their seats on the bus, etc. The more acts of kindness your children witness, the more ideas of kindness they will spread themselves!

7. See something, do something

Children have more attention than we think. The next time your child asks a question about homelessness, or about news like immigration, do a little thing as a family. For example, donate used clothing to a family shelter, donate money, or volunteer together.