Teaching Grandkids
About KINDNESS
Small Gestures That Make Others Smile
By KIMBERLY BLAKER
W ith our busy lives , it ’ s easy to lose sight of the little things we can do to make the world a kinder , gentler place . As a result , kids miss out on golden opportunities to emulate kindness and experience its rewards . So , why not set a goal with your grandkids , and see how many acts of kindness your family can rack up in a single day or week ? Here are some ideas to get started .
» VISIT AN ELDERLY NEIGHBOR . Many seniors are shut in because they can no longer drive . Often , even those who do drive don ’ t get the social interaction they need . Likely , someone in your neighborhood could use some company .
» OFFER A COMPLIMENT . It doesn ’ t get any easier than this . But don ’ t offer praise you don ’ t mean . Otherwise , it ’ ll come off as disingenuous . Notice what someone is wearing or doing , or think about the person ’ s personality or something they ’ ve done . Then offer a compliment that you really mean .
» MAKE A DONATION . It can be a small monetary donation to a good cause . Or you can donate items you no longer need to a homeless shelter , animal rescue , or toys for tots collection .
» HELP SOMEONE WITH THEIR HOMEWORK . Do you know a classmate who struggles in a particular subject ? Offer to help them study for a test or to understand a concept for a homework assignment .
» TAKE AN EXTRA LUNCH TO SCHOOL FOR SOMEONE WHO FORGETS . When you get to school , ask your teacher to help you find a student who needs it .
» STAND UP FOR SOMEONE . Do you know a student who ’ s bullied or always left out ? Look for an opportunity to tell those who are being judgmental to be a little kinder or that they ’ re being unfair .
» OFFER YOUR SUPPORT . Do you know someone going through a hard time , such as a serious illness or whose parents are going through a divorce ? Lend them your shoulder , and offer to listen .
» MAKE FRIENDS WITH SOMEONE WHO ’ S LEFT OUT . Is there a classmate who ’ s always standing alone on the playground or who sits alone at lunch ? Offer to join that person .
» OFFER TO HELP OUT A MOM . Do you know someone with young children ? Offer to spend a couple of hours watching and entertaining them while the mom catches up on chores .
» BAKE COOKIES FOR YOUR TEACHER OR BOSS . Show your appreciation by baking their favorite goodies .
» BUY A HOMELESS PERSON A MEAL . If you see someone wandering who clearly looks homeless or is standing on a street corner with a sign , pick up a meal and take it over to them .
» CALL GRANDPARENTS OR GREAT- GRANDPARENTS . This is a big one because often , grandparents are the ones to initiate calls . So , make your grandparents ’ day by giving them a call .
» HOLD THE DOOR FOR SOMEONE . This is another super easy gesture that ’ s sure to be appreciated by someone who ’ s elderly , disabled , or really anyone .
» WRITE AN APOLOGY TO SOMEONE YOU ’ VE HURT . We ’ ve all said and done things on occasion that hurts someone ’ s feelings . So , take ownership of it , and write a heartfelt apology .
» HELP SOMEONE CARRY SOMETHING . When you see someone struggling to carry multiple items or something heavy , offer your assistance .
» POST SOMETHING NICE ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE OF SOMEONE WHO NEEDS A FRIEND . Do you know someone who no one ever pays attention to ? Make that person ’ s day with a positive comment on their page .
» TAKE A NEIGHBORS DOG FOR A WALK . Is there a dog in your neighborhood that never gets to go for walks ? Be sure to ask about the dog ’ s energy level , so you ’ re able to handle it . Also , find out how far it can walk and run to ensure you don ’ t overexercise the dog , which can be dangerous to dogs ’ health .
» DO A CHORE FOR YOUR BROTHER OR SISTER — WHAT A GREAT WAY TO GET BACK IN YOUR SIBLING ’ S GOOD GRACES . And although you shouldn ’ t expect it , who knows , maybe they ’ ll return the favor sometime .
» BUY A FRIEND A CANDY BAR . This is a simple way to show your friend you ’ re thinking of them .
» VOLUNTEER FOR A GOOD CAUSE . There are many opportunities right in your community . You could volunteer at a soup kitchen , pick up trash at a park , or help with a canned food drive .
» HELP SOMEONE WITH YARD WORK . Do you know a handicapped or elderly person ? Offer to mow , rake , pull weeds , or shovel their snow .
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