Are you considering giving your kids some kindness challenges?  You have come to the right place.  Today, I will be going over acts of kindness for kids that will not only teach your children how to have good manners, but they will also help serve the community. Studies have shown that when kids are kind and serve others, they are less likely to be stressed, depressed, and will generally be happy.  I hope this article helps you understand more about ways your kids (and you too!) can help serve others.  Let's get started!

Hold the Door Open For Someone

Not only is this a great way to show kindness, but it is also a good manner for kids to learn.  Whether it is for an elderly person, a kid at school, or even for yourself, your kids will be showing acts of kindness for the person that they hold the door open for a person.

Make Kindness Stones

Kindness stones are little stones that have encouraging words on them.  These stones are meant to be left at parks and other places for people to find them.  All you need is some rocks, paint (permanent markers work too), and a place to hide these little treasures. Have your kids write encouraging words on them, such as "Be Strong" and "You Rock".  Your kids can also draw smiley faces and other creative art on the rocks.  Once the rocks are completed, go around your neighborhood and hide these rocks for people to find.  These kindness stones will surely make somebody smile.

Smile

Nothing is as encouraging nor as simple as a smile.  Teaching your kids to smile at people they see is a great way for them to learn acts of kindness.  Whether it is a stranger or someone they know, by smiling they are helping brighten someone's day.

Return Carts At a Grocery Store

This is a simple act of kindness that is easy for anyone to do - including you!  The next time you or your kids see a shopping cart that is outside, go put it back inside or wherever the carts are supposed to go.  Don't forget to return your own shopping cart back inside the store.  If there is a lot of traffic at the grocery store, you'll want to go with your kids so that they don't get hurt.

Help Siblings With Chores or Homework

Acts of kindness for kids can start in your own household.  There are multiple ways that your kids can help each other, such as helping each other with homework or chores.  If one of your children is having a bad day, have your other kids give him or her homemade cards.

Make Cards For People

The next time your kids are wanting to draw, fold the paper in half so that they can make cards for people.  Thank-you cards, get-well cards, and thinking-of-you cards are all great ideas to give out to people.  These cards can be given out to strangers, friends, or left on your neighbor's door.

Sit With Kids At School That Nobody Is Talking To

This is a good challenge for kids that teaches them about accepting newcomers, even if it is difficult.  This little act of kindness will make the other kid feel welcome and may develop into a long lasting friendship.

Compliment Somebody's Outfit

There is probably nothing as encouraging as a simple compliment.  Teach your kids to say compliments about people's outfits and hairstyles.  It doesn't have to be a long conversation.  Even a simple "I like your dress" or "Your hair is so pretty" will be sure to brighten somebody's day.

Tell a Joke

Telling a joke is a simple and easy way to start conversations and to get people laughing.  Make sure all the jokes you teach your kids are appropriate and won't make other people feel uncomfortable.  If you are looking for some funny jokes to teach your kids, click here.

Rake Someone's Yard

Raking leaves can be a long and hard job.  Consider raking leaves for the elderly, disabled, single parents, people who are sick, and anyone else who may not be able to rake leaves at this moment.  Remember that because you are helping out of kindness, you won't want to accept any money for raking their yard.  When winter comes, consider helping them shovel out the snow in their yard.

Random Acts Of Christmas Kindness

Leave Christmas Presents At Your Neighbors' Doors

Let your kids help you wrap up Christmas presents, and then leave them at your neighbors' doors.  Try to find out ahead of time what your neighbors are in need of, and then take your kids shopping for those items.  Better yet, if your neighbors have young kids, have your kids choose which toys they don't need anymore and then give them away as gifts. Make sure the toys are in good shape.  Not only will this make your neighbor's day, but it also teaches your kids the importance of giving.  To make it even more exciting, ring your neighbor's doorbell, leave the gift, and run.  Watch from your window or car how your neighbor reacts when he or she notices the gift that you left.

Make Holiday Decorations For Friends

There are so many ideas for making homemade holiday decorations.  From homemade wreaths to paper snowflakes, these decorations will certainly be treasured by the recipient.

Donate To Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas.  This Christmas, consider donating some toys to this program.  Keep in mind that all the toys have to be new, so you cannot donate any of your kids' old toys.  But your kids can help you shop for toys, and maybe they can find some toys in their rooms that they never opened or used.  You can donate to Toys for Tots by clicking here.

Ring Bells For the Salvation Army

At one time or another, you have probably noticed the Salvation Army ringing bells during the Christmas season.  While giving money towards the Salvation Army is a good act of kindness, perhaps you should consider ringing the bells for the Salvation Army this year. Your kids may have fun ringing the bells to certain tunes, and they can practice other acts of kindness such as smiling and saying "Thank you" when people donate money.

Give Out Candy Canes

The next time you go shopping, buy a whole bunch of candy canes to give out to people. With your kids' help, you can leave candy canes on people's steps, hand them out to strangers, and give them to friends.  Your kids may also have fun giving out candy canes to their friends at school.

Final Thoughts On Acts Of Kindness For Kids

I hope you found this article to be helpful.  As you can see, there are so many different ways that your kids can show kindness to others.  From donating toys to helping their siblings with chores, these random acts of kindness for kids help teach kids about serving others.  Studies have shown that kids who serve others are less likely to bully kids, become stressed, be depressed, and will normally be happy children.  And because kindness can be contagious, you may get in the mood for serving others too!  Have fun!

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