parenting
Beyond
67
MINUTES
Mandela Day is often spoken of in terms of numbers: 67 minutes of service to honour Nelson Mandela’ s 67 years dedicated to fighting for social justice. But what happens when we pause and see it through the eyes of a child?
By Lauren Moavero, Conscious Parenting and Mindfulness Coach Practitioner
The other day, my son asked,“ Mom, why‘ 67 minutes’ when we celebrate Mandela Day?” What a beautiful question.
More than just a number
Mandela Day invites us to dedicate 67 minutes in service of others, honouring the years Nelson Mandela gave to humanity. Seen through a child’ s eyes and within family life, it becomes more than a number – it becomes an opportunity to connect, to feel, and to celebrate what truly matters: being together.
Our children are not just listening to us; they are experiencing the world through us. How we choose to celebrate days like Mandela Day quietly shapes how they come to understand kindness, generosity, and care.
Helping them give at every age:
At each stage of childhood, there are simple, age‐appropriate ways to help them experience the joy of helping others.
Toddlers This is the stage where toddlers experience kindness but don’ t fully understand it.
• Let them“ help” Mom or Dad pack a small food parcel for someone in need.
• Model kindness through your tone and interactions.
• Take a short walk together and greet others warmly.
• Practise using kind words:“ please”,“ thank you”, and“ hello”.
Preschoolers They begin to understand helping and can take small, intentional actions.
• Choose a few toys or books together to donate.
• Let them decorate or wrap the items in their own way.
• Bake or prepare something simple to share with someone else( baking together is a wonderful bonding experience).
• Set the table together.
Young school-age children At this age, children can understand impact and feel proud of their actions.
• Involve them in simple conversations about helping others
• Pick up litter together.(“ Let’ s make our park clean”).
• Encourage them to physically hand over what they are giving( for example, book donations or clothes that no longer fit).
• Create a“ kindness jar” activity. Each family member writes a small act to do that day( like give a hug, help around the house, clean up after lunch).
When we raise conscious children, every day becomes an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Maybe that’ s the answer to the question my son asked:“ Why‘ 67 minutes’, Mom?”
It’ s not just about the minutes, but the moments we share as a family, and the understanding our children carry from home into the world. �
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