How to Do Random Acts of Kindness with Your Kids

It seems like people are stressed and upset today more than ever. The world can be a cynical place and often leaves those in it disillusioned. As a parent, you likely want to teach your children about hope and being nice to other people. Performing random acts of kindness with them shows that civility is still alive, and also teaches them that it feels good to help others. These selfless acts don’t have to be complicated or expensive; you can help those less fortunate, those around you, and those you love with small gestures that make a big impact.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Surprising Those Around You

1
Pay for someone. Having someone else surprise you by footing the bill is one of the best ways to get the warm and fuzzies. When you’re the bill payer, you feel just as good, too. When your child is with you, pay for someone in the drive through behind you, cover the fees for the car in back of you at the toll booth or parking garage, or offer to pay for a family’s meal the next time you are at a restaurant. Doing this shows your child that being generous is a good thing.
- Have your child get in on the action by encouraging them to save their allowance to cover the waiter’s tip the next time you are out to eat. They will likely feel proud of themselves for earning the money, and then being able to give it to someone else.^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Give small gifts to strangers. Try showing up at the playground that your child frequents with a box of small items for your child to give out, such as bubbles or bouncy balls. Then, you could allow your child to give out the presents to other children who are playing at the playground. You might just want to check with their parents first by saying something like, “My daughter wanted to do something nice for all the kids she enjoys playing with at this park. Would it be okay if she gives your son a bouncy ball?”
- Another option is to just leave uplifting post-it notes somewhere that a stranger will see them, such as on a mirror in a public restroom. The notes could say things like, “Have a nice day!” or “You are awesome!” Have your kids make the notes and then post them when you are out together.
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3
Help your neighbor. Surprise your neighbor by helping them out with their chores. Take their garbage cans from the curb to the house on trash day. You can also rake their leaves or cut their grass to help them out. Weeding the garden and planting pretty flowers, or washing their car for them is not only kind, but particularly helpful, especially when your neighbor is a senior.
- If your neighbors are elderly and require help, offer to provide assistance whenever you can. Have your children take out the trash, or come by and read to the neighbor. They can also walk their dogs and bring them dinner once a week. Even if your child is young, coloring or watching TV with the neighbor is often a huge boost to their morale.^{[2]XResearch source}
4
Thank those who provide service to us. Say “hi” to a police officer and thank them for being on duty for us. Having your child talk to an officer will not only brighten that officer’s day, but will also teach your kids to be comfortable going up to a cop if they ever need help. Thanking a military member and offering to buy lunch is also a great act of kindness that can go a long way.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Make sure to encourage your child to thank all the people who provide services to you and your family. For example, you can say “hello” and “thank you” to the barista who makes your morning coffee, or thank the Uber or taxi driver who gives you and your child a ride to the museum.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Treating the Ones You Love

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Write thank you notes. It’s common to forget to tell those we spend the most time with how much we appreciate them. An easy way to do this is to write a thank you note. Have your children write their grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, or parent a note that lets them know just how much they mean to them.
- For instance, in the note, the child could write, “I just wanted to thank you for being a part of my life. You do so much for me and are a great influence. I love you and appreciate all that you do.”^{[4]XResearch source}
If you’re looking for a simple random act of kindness that your child can perform and will also encourage your kids to get along, this is the one for you. Talk to one of your children about perform a sibling’s chore as a surprise. This is a win-win for all involved, as it helps to keep your home in order, may promote peace among your children, and makes both kids feel good.^{[5]XResearch source}
3
Leave a dinner basket. After a hard day at work or home, being treated to dinner is such a special treat. If you aren’t able to make the meal yourself or have it delivered, simply place all of the ingredients in a basket and leave it on your loved one’s doorstep, with a recipe included. Having most of the work done and simply having to put the ingredients together is a major help, especially to grandparents or relatives with young children.
- Have your child place the ingredients in the basket, and then draw a picture or leave a note for the recipient. This child-friendly task not only adds a special gift for the loved one, but gets your child involved.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Helping Those Less Fortunate

1
Create a "random bucket." Sometimes, doing good for others can be hard to do in the spur of the moment. You can create a bucket of ideas to draw from whenever you and your children want to spread joy and positivity.
- This bucket might include a range of options such as donating to specific charities, offering a cash gift to a church or hospital, offering free services to families in need such as housecleaning or babysitting, or reading a book to children at the local library.
2
Donate to a charity or organization. Go through your child’s old books and toys and take out any that they don’t use anymore. Donate these items to a local children’s hospital or a book or toy drive. Also, donate any pet supplies you don’t use anymore to a shelter, or put money into a Salvation Army bucket.
- Have your child choose the items and drop them off with you. Having them involved can help them feel a sense of pride about what they are doing. They can also see where the items are going and how they can help, which may make parting with the donations easier, if they find it difficult.^{[6]XResearch source}
3
Visit a retirement home. Those who live in retirement homes or communities are often lonely, especially around the holidays. Brighten up someone’s day by taking your child to visit with them. The simple act of having a conversation with a child is enough to elevate a senior’s mood and make the last years of their life more pleasant when it is done often.
- Call the retirement home you plan to visit and ask if they accept visitors, as some have strict rules regarding who comes into their facilities. You may also be able to volunteer by reading a book, helping to deliver meals, or just stopping through and saying hi on a regular basis.^{[7]XResearch source}
4
Volunteer at a local non-profit organization. Volunteering shows your kids that doing things for others, even when you aren’t getting paid for doing so, is extremely rewarding. Ask your child what they would be interested in, whether it’s helping to build homes, working at a soup kitchen, or helping to take care of pets at an animal shelter. Performing these acts of kindness that are related to something your child is interested in will make the experience that much more enjoyable.
- Call the charity you are interested in about the age requirements for volunteers. Some non-profits have age restrictions on their volunteers, and some only seek the help of adults. Calling ahead of time can prevent your child from feeling disappointed if they are excited about volunteering and then learn they can’t.^{[8]XResearch source}
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