In February, many of us turn our attention to matters of the heart. Love of all kinds is in the air this month and one of the easiest ways to get in on the action is by participating in Random Acts of Kindness {RAK} Day on February 17. A small act of kindness can often take very little effort on our part but it can absolutely brighten someone’s day. The best news of all is that it’s easy to get kids involved in spreading good cheer because they’re already hardwired to make friends and help others.
Kindness is Contagious
Studies have also shown that kindness is contagious! Jamal Zaki, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, found in a study he did for Scientific American that ‘the positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnessed the act, improving their mood and making them significantly more likely to ‘pay it forward.’
When we are kind, we increase the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin in those on the receiving end of kindness – and those who are on the giving end, too. Being kind also releases our ‘feel good’ hormone, serotonin, and our body’s own version of happy pills, endorphins. So, when we’re kind, we lower our blood pressure, feel an energy boost, lessen stress and are just plain happier! {For more in-depth info on the science of kindness, check out The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation’s Science of Kindness page}.
Encouraging Kind Kids
Kids of all ages enjoy being helpful and having a sense of ownership. Toddlers enjoy helping with the laundry. School age children can become engrossed in collecting canned goods for a food drive. Teens may choose to join organizations that serve the sole purpose of performing charitable deeds for others.
I’ve seen this amazing phenomenon in action with the children I work with at the library. Children as young as five have participated in making Valentine’s cards and painting kindness rocks to hide around town. My son’s classroom has a monthly election where 4th-6th grade students run for class president/vice president, stumping with platforms ranging from running a coat drive to wearing pajamas for the day. It’s always exciting to see what they’re able to accomplish when they have ownership of their ideas {with a little help from adults}.
Creating a Culture of Kindness
If you’re inspired to participate in Random Acts of Kindness Day this year, I’ve compiled a list of activities that can kids or adults can engage in on their own or as a family or community organization. You can use RAK Day as a jumping off point for an entire year of giving and feel good vibes. Enjoy!
Kids
Host a lemonade stand/bake sale/craft table to benefit a charity you care about- Create no-sew blankets to donate to police or fire departments
- Write a thank you note to a favorite teacher
- Decorate lunch bags for Kids Meals Houston
- Host a card making workshop around Valentine’s Day and winter holidays
- Create bookmarks to leave in random books at the library
Self
- Give microloans through Kiva’s Monthly Good program or a similar organization
- Donate books to a Little Free Library or a used bookstore
- Use your birthday as a way to raise funds for charity
- Reduce, reuse and recycle by joining a give freely/buy nothing group in your area
- Give blood and save 3 lives in 30 minutes
Family
Volunteer in a community garden through Urban Harvest- Clean up litter in your community
- Put together a birthday in a box for a child in need
- Donate craft kits to a family shelter
- Create a homemade bird feeder and hang it in your yard
- Leave treats for delivery people and bring cold water to garbage collectors
There are SO many opportunities to be kind, whether you choose to focus hyperlocally, globally or a little of both! If you’ve got a great way to show random acts of kindness, please let us know in the comments below!
Pin this post and be sure to follow
Houston Moms
on Pinterest!
