With all the sad news, negativity, and bullying bombarding us, it is the perfect time to add more kindness to our world. I truly believe that individuals who are happy inside won’t act out in hateful ways, whether it be blaming others for their problems, bullying, or using violence to express their emotions.
How ironic is it that just a few days after our recent contentious, stressful election the world celebrates World Kindness Day? Boy do we need this day to step back and be grateful for the kindness expressed in this world, even if it is sometimes hard to find.
Science tells us that being kind to others is actually good for our health, reducing stress and boosting our mood. Acts of kindness can help counteract these negative emotions swirling around during this unstable time in history.
What can you do to celebrate World Kindness Day with your children?
Learn about the science-backed benefits of giving to others. Check out the following posts:
- Are Children Born With Compassion?
- Why Kindness Is Good For You
- Get High With Your Kids–By Helping Others
Look for family volunteer opportunities. I encourage all of you to explore volunteer opportunities in your local community that you can do as a family. To help you get started, I have provided some amazing resources. There are so many ways that you can give together. And if you don’t find something that you love, create it yourself! Your children and the people you help will thank you.
Perform random acts of kindness. Sign up with Random Acts of Kindness Foundation to spread kindness in your community.
Show your children how to balance giving with receiving. Review these lessons with your children, especially as your prepare for the holiday season.
Add good deeds to family dinner time. For those of you feeling overwhelmed by your schedule and not sure how to fit in volunteer activities, start by adding an act of kindness to something you already do anyway–make the most of your family dinner experience with a few big-hearted tweaks.
Read books about giving and kindness to your children: Enjoy the following Happy Science Mom book reviews about making a difference in the world.
- Top Children’s Books About Kindness
- The Giving Box
- Be Who You Were Meant To Be
- Wee Walk In Someone Else’s Shoes
Teach your children lovingkindness meditation. We must love ourselves before we can offer kindness to the world around us. Prepare your family to help others by practicing lovingkindness meditation together.
Listen to music with a kindness message. The Happy Kids Songs collection contains several songs that inspire kindness in children.
Guide your children in becoming ambassadors of love and kindness, not hate. Review this post that provides steps to inspire acts of love by your children.
May we all continue to fight the good fight to bring peace and happiness throughout the world. It starts in our homes by raising happy, balanced children–the leaders of tomorrow who will inherit a world that we build today.
How will your family celebrate World Kindness Day?
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