5 Easy Ways to Teach Your Kids To Be Kind

Kindness is contagious

Did you know that 17 February is Random Acts of Kindness Day? It’s a 24-hour period of bringing people joy and happiness around the world. We should all strive to be kind to others all the time, but why not make an extra effort on this day? An act of kindness always spreads. You may not see it spreading straight away or realise it is happening, but the small moments of kindness are what counts.

With Valentine’s Day and Random Acts being so close together, it’s a great time to break out of your comfort zone to help someone else. As parents, we often say we are too busy, but the truth is we should promote kindness daily. We should invest this time with our children and make sure that they are aware of the people around them. We often push “stranger danger” yet forget to tell them, “Don’t be afraid to smile and say hi to people,” as each smile really does have an impact.

Here are 5 simple acts that you and your little loves can do to bring a little joy into somebody else’s life…

When somebody is in need, offer a helping hand. Whether that may be helping a friend in the playground, helping a mother and her child in a pushchair, making yourself available for a chat with someone who needs a shoulder to cry on, or something simple like holding the door in the lift for a latecomer. Remember to be open to helping one another.

When was the last time you gave up your seat? In an age of unconscious thinking and obsession with technology, take a moment to look up from your phone or tablet and read the situation around you. These small acts of kindness can really make somebody’s day.

Give somebody your time rather than your money. This is particularly relevant in Hong Kong. Say a simple hello, wave and smile to the bathroom staff, to the gentleman who packs your grocery bags, or to the gardeners in you’re community. If you wish to spare some change, take a moment and strike up a conversation. We can easily get caught up in our routines and ignore those less fortunate than ourselves. Who knows, you may make a new friend!

We all love receiving compliments but many of us are afraid to give them. You may wish to compliment someone else on his or her sense of style, smile or even a unique characteristic. Don’t just think it; say it. Try to create a positive connection with someone. You never know what someone is going through that day. You might make their day.

You don’t need to be an aspiring writer to put pen to paper. How fun would it be to create some handmade Thank You cards (made by the littles)? Keep them in your bag, and whenever you feel someone is in need of a pick me up, hand them out! I’m sure an added chocolate inside the envelope would also brighten anyone’s day!

So mamas, for the month of February, go out and spread some love, generosity and courtesy anyway you can. Your small act could have a domino effect; it could make someone else be kind and so on. Give someone the benefit of the doubt, and instead of getting angry when someone doesn’t behave the way you expected, take a moment to understand they may be going through a difficult time. Smiling is the best medicine to overcome sad or awkward moments. Smiling can change our mood and the people around us. Being kind to others is also great for the soul and will make you feel a million times better. Let’s all give it a try this month!

“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams