21 Easy Acts of Kindness to Do With Kids

Happy Random Acts of Kindness Week! This holiday is meant to remind us all that simple acts of kindness and generosity can easily be a part of our everyday lives. And trust us: Once you get started, you won't want to stop, because spreading kindness is addictive. We thought it would be fun this year to get the little ones involved in spreading some kindness and joy too, so we rounded up 21 ideas to help you and your family hop on the kindness train together.

1: Clip Coupons

Clip coupons from the Sunday paper, then go to the grocery store and tape the coupons to their corresponding items so someone else can enjoy the savings.

2: Spread Positivity

Write some positive phrases on sticky notes and encourage your child to leave them around their school in random spots. Consider messages like, "You look fabulous today!" or "The world needs more people like you!"

3: Text Some Positive Vibes

Go through your phone's contacts and choose five friends or family members to reach out to. Send them each a note with a photo of your child and a note to tell them that you're thinking about them.  

4: Craigslist Giveaways

Clean out your child's closet or playroom and choose items to give away stuff for free on Craigslist. Use this as a lesson in the magic of sharing with those who might need something more than they do.

5: Leave a Tip

Teach your child about tipping, and leave the biggest tip you can afford for your server when you go out to eat. Explain to them that it's nice to leave a bit extra for a job well done.

6: Keep Em' Dry

If it's raining out, stop and buy a few inexpensive umbrellas on the way to school. Encourage your child to give them out to any of the teachers or students who might have forgotten to bring one.

7: Clean Up

Go to a nearby park and spend 20 minutes with your kids picking up any trash or litter.

8: Make A Donation

Teach your kids about charitable giving by encouraging them to take a portion of any money they might have been saving and make a donation. For example, if they love animals, take them to the local shelter and allow them to contribute their funds in person.

9: Smile at People You Pass on the Street

10: Bake Cookies and Bring Them to a Local Fire Station

11: Vending Machine Gifts

Tape a dollar bill or two to a vending machine with a note from your child that says, "This treat's on me!"

12: Sibling Love

Encourage your kids to write out a card for their sibling, telling them five reasons why they love them.

13: Dollar Store Swag

Buy inexpensive coloring books and crayons with your kids at a local dollar store, and leave them in a hospital waiting room.

14: Say 'Thank You'

Have your kids draw a picture for the mailman and leave it along with a note of appreciation in your mailbox.

15: Chalk Love

Ask your kids to use some brightly colored chalk to write encouraging messages on the sidewalks in your neighborhood. Include messages like "We're so lucky to have you as our neighbors!" or "Have a great day, neighbor!"

16: Grandparent Time

Encourage your kids to call (or Facetime) their grandparents and ask questions about their childhood.

17: Talk to Strangers

Why not have your kids make more friends at school? Challenge them to say "hi" to three people they've never spoken to before (especially those who might not have as many friends or are new to their class).

18: Shout It Out

Roll down your window in the car and let the kids shout out encouraging messages to people in the next lane. "We hope you have a great day!" is always a good bet.

19: Go to Work

Show your kids where you or your spouse work every day, and bring them by to meet everyone. Pick up some donuts on the way, and have your child include a note that says something like "Thanks for looking out for my mom or dad every day while I'm at school."

20: Reading is Fundamental

Get an extra copy of your child's favorite book, and ask them to choose a friend to give it to who they think would enjoy it, too.

21: Be Kind to Yourself

After you've completed some RAKs with your kids, remind them that they should also remember to be kind to themselves. Celebrate with a special treat, such as ice cream, or a weeknight trip to the movies.