There's never a bad day for kindness. Sometimes, the smallest gesture can change someone's entire day. In fact, there's a whole holiday to raise awareness of the importance of being your nicest self. World Kindness Day is celebrated every year on November 13. It was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement. The day of observance was the product of a coalition of several nations' kindness nonprofits, working together to create a better world for all.
World Kindness Day is the perfect time to teach little ones about being kind. Children are often taught how to deal with bullying and other undesirable situations. We aren't so direct with telling and showing them how to do the right thing, however. This very special day is an answer to that. You can take the opportunity to both teach your children about ways they can be kind. You can also work hard to lead by example. Being your kindest self isn't always easy. But it is worthwhile, as every little gesture is a step toward a kinder world for all those who follow us.
World Kindness Day is celebrated every year on November 13. The holiday is the product of 28 kindness nonprofits around the globe coming together to try to make the world a kinder place for everyone.
It's a wonderful opportunity to get kids involved in the practice of being kind. By a certain age, kids know how they should treat one another, but as their social schemes get increasingly complicated with age, they sometimes lose sight of simple niceties.
With these ideas, you can get your kids to find small ways of making a difference. It's important to explain how all these little gestures can amount to big change. Making kids understand the difference can really change their attitudes and lead them into being their best selves at all times.
1. Start a Piggy Bank
As kids learn about money, they love collecting their own. While it's good to teach kids how to be responsible with their own money, it's also important to teach them about giving back. You can start a separate piggy bank for a good cause and teach your kids about money and generosity.
2. Visit a Local Animal Shelter
Animal shelters are always looking for volunteers to help walk dogs, change litter, and play with the animals. Contact your local shelter and find out what kind of age-appropriate ways your kids can help.
3. Visit an Elderly Neighbor
Elderly neighbors have a lot of worries at this time of year, as the weather starts to get treacherous. Your kids can put their neighbors at ease by visiting and offering to check in through the months ahead.
4. Leave a Surprise for Your Mail Carrier
Leaving something special in the mailbox for a mail carrier, whether it's a thank you note or a baked treat, can go a long way in making someone's day. They take care of you all year round, so why not take care of them?
5. Go Through Old Toys and Clothes
Help your kids as they go through their clothes and toys and pick out things they don't need or want anymore. You can find a local charity to drop off your haul at or schedule a pickup online. It'll also help free up some space in your home ahead of the holidays.
6. Give Someone an Unexpected Phone Call
Phone calls are easy and very exciting for kids. By having them call or video chat a relative they don't talk to often, you show the importance of staying in touch. It's also a super-pleasant surprise for the recipient.
7. Spare Some Change
If you live in an area with parking meters, you can put extra money in meters that are close to expiring. It's an inexpensive way to save someone from a not-so-fun and very expensive surprise. It also contributes to your local economy.
8. Write an Inspiring Message
Imagine how many people you can make smile by sharing an uplifting or funny quote in a very public place. You can do it by putting up a sign or writing in chalk on a sidewalk. It's a cool way to spread joy while flexing your creative muscles.
9. Make Someone a Meal
Getting in the kitchen and making something with the most special ingredient, love, is a great way of spreading kindness. You can make something to share with classmates at school, something for another family member, or something for a special coach.
10. Put Together a Care Package for a Service Member
With some simple supplies and activities, you can put together a care package that will make a deployed service member's day. If you don't know someone who is serving, the Department of Defense has a list of approved charities that help get them to troops.
It doesn't have to take much time, money, or effort to spread the kindness on World Kindness Day. Something as simple as smiling at a person you walk by or holding a door for someone would suffice. It will also start a great tradition for your kids to enjoy for years to come.
