Kindness Has No Limits

Thinking back when I was a young child, I remember that one of the most important things my mom instilled in me was to treat everyone equally by showing kindness.

During my preteens and teen years I spent time reading to children with developmental disabilities. I also volunteered at both the senior’s home as well as the animal shelter and helped in community clean-ups. I didn't do it because I had to. I did it because I wanted to and I enjoyed every minute. 

I feel that we are lacking in this in today’s world. Our children will be the next us and if we don’t set a good example for them then they may miss out on an opportunity to gain the benefits and self-gratification that comes from helping other people. 

Children are never too young to show kindness to others. It may mean parental involvement sometimes, something that also seems to be lacking in today’s world. 

Here is a list of ideas I have put together that I would like my children to do...

The following includes acts of kindness that children can do on their own:

1. Smile! Yes it is an act of kindness. An easy one and does not cost anything.

2. Hold the door open for someone.

3. Pick up a piece of trash lying on the street and put it in a trash can.

4. Have children go through their clothing, books, games and toys and pick out the ones they are not using anymore. Donate them to hospitals, homeless shelters, or women and children’s shelters.
Note: take your children along to donate the items so they can feel a sense of satisfaction in seeing where these items end up and how they are helping other children.

5. Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog.

6. Share their snack with another student that does not have any. Remember to pack a little extra. 

7. Ask an elderly neighbor if they are in need of help.

8. Read to younger children.

9. Bring a neighbor a glass of lemonade, iced tea, or soda when they are working outside.

10. When they receive a new toy donate one of their old ones.

11. Make a card or craft for a senior.

12. Sell lemonade and treats during the summer and donate the money to help less fortunate children.

The following list requires an adults help. Tip: These are great ways for a family to interact together:

1. Spend one hour per week volunteering at an agency such as a homeless shelter, animal shelter, hospital or senior’s home.

2. Spend a day cleaning up the neighborhood block.

3. Bake a dessert or bring fresh fruit to the senior’s home.

4. Recycle and donate the proceeds to charity.

5. Build a birdhouse with your child and have your child refill bird seed as required.

6. Have a yard sale and donate money to charity.

7. Give a homeless person a cup of hot coffee.

8. Before heading out to shop check with your elderly neighbors offering to shop for them at the same time.

9. Bring food to a neighbor that is ill.

10. Organize a food drive for the local food bank.

11. Organize a toy/clothing drive for the local children’s and or women’s shelter.

12. Give out ice-cream to the kids in your neighborhood on a hot summer day.

The list does not have to stop here. With more time and thought we can add additional ideas.