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Challenge: Grinch challenge: Acts of Kindness

50 (Almost) Kid-Thought-Of Ways to Show Kindness

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Did you know that the world celebrates kindness collectively every year on World Kindness Day (November 13th)? Best-selling author Laura Sassi thinks that every day should be kindness day, however. She believes "...every day is a gift. As children and adults, we can choose to live that gift in a spirit of love and kindness...or not."

In her newest children's book, Love is Kind, Little Owl goes on a journey in which he discovers the true meaning of kindness and its power to communicate love in our lives. Laura reflects after writing her book, "Where does the gift of kindness and love begin? It begins in our hearts...And it’s never too early nor late to nurture it." Funny, even the Grinch would agree.

Laura teaches that one way to nurture kindness in children is to empower them to consider ways that they can be kind in everyday life. And to test her theory, she polled children from across the country for their ideas below! Here is her endearing list by children perhaps with some surprises — don't forget to comment with your favorite!

  • If someone is feeling lonely, I can go over and sit with them.
  • If someone needs a friend, I can play with them.
  • If I want something, I can say “please.”
  • If somebody doesn’t have a friend, I can say, “Come and play with us.”
  • If somebody is sad, I can can cheer them up.
  • Tell someone you love them.
  • If someone is feeling sad, I can go over and hug them.
  • I can be kind and clean my room.
  • I can smile at my worst enemy.
  • I can donate food to someone who doesn’t have any food.
  • If someone new moves onto my block, I can welcome them.
  • I can hug family.
  • I can help my Mom carry in the grocery bags.
  • When someone is sick, I can bring food or tea.
  • I can let my little brother pick the first piece of cake.
  • I can give someone a compliment.
  • I can stand up for someone who is being picked on.
  • I can help animals.
  • If someone hurts themselves, I can go see if they’re okay.
  • If someone falls, I can help them up.
  • If someone is bleeding, I can get them a bandaid.
  • I can help my Mom and Dad around the house and garden.
  • If someone drops their school folder, I can help them put the papers back in.
  • I can help my little brother or sister reach something up high.
  • I can help my Mom and Dad make dinner.
  • I can play with my grandparents.
  • If someone drops their trash, I can pick it up for them.
  • I can follow my Mom’s directions.
  • I can clean up after myself.
  • I can be a good listener.
  • I can help a friend if they fall and get hurt.
  • I can play nice with my dog (and my little sister).
  • I can share toys with others. I can take turns.
  • I can be patient and wait my turn.
  • I can do my chores and follow rules.
  • I can think of the feelings of others before I speak.
  • I can try to put others first.
  • I can encourage a friend to do their best.
  • I can include others.
  • I can help shovel the neighbor’s sidewalk after a snowstorm.
  • I can tell someone they look nice today.
  • I can give a friend a hug.
  • I can share toys with my baby brother even when I don’t want to.
  • I don’t have to race to be the first to get everything.
  • I invited a girl from school that others don’t really like to my birthday party. When they spent time with her, they had fun with her.
  • A friend of mine is having a lot of trouble at home because her parents are not happy, so I try to invite her to my house a lot so she can relax and have fun with my family.
  • I gave some of my birthday money to a fundraiser at our school for kids who don’t have fun things for their recess.

The latter few ideas are my favorite — so cute! Want to learn more about Laura's book that inspired this list? Watch here. For a free copy, you can register here. All entrants must be US residents with a street address (no PO boxes) for shipping purposes, please. I will announce the winner this coming Monday, November 19th, on my website!

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