WHAT IS RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WEEK
Every year, a very special time rolls around where emphasis is placed on being “kind.” That time of the year is known as Random Acts of Kindness Week and it begins on February 9 and goes through February 15, leading up to February 17, which is known as Random Acts of Kindness Day. Various organizations and individuals plan community activities and events encouraging us to take time to really focus on kindness.
KINDNESS IS GOOD FOR OUR MENTAL HEALTH
New research has found that the mental health benefits from performing acts of kindness may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. People with elevated symptoms of depression or anxiety were assigned to engage in acts of kindness and it was discovered that in performing kindness, people developed a greater sense of social connection and well being. Research has found that kindness can increase happiness and self-esteem!
WHAT ARE SOME ACTS OF KINDNESS THAT I CAN DO
Being kind doesn’t have to break the bank. Being kind doesn’t always require spending money or buying gifts. Being kind can be as simple as sharing a smile or kind word to someone. Did you know that just sharing a smile at someone can relieve stress and generate a more positive vibe. What might seem like a small, kind gesture could have a greater impact than you might think.
SHOWING OUR CHILDREN KINDNESS
Kindness is one of the most important qualities we can help our children to develop. Children are very observant and learn how to treat others by watching adults. Let your children observe you being kind to those in your community and in your family. Let them see you kindly open the door for someone or pick up litter tossed on the sidewalk. Show kindness so your children can watch you and mimic you!
TEACHING OUR CHILDREN TO BE KIND
It begins with you! There are many things we can do as parents to teach our children to be kinder and more compassionate to others. Listed below are a few suggestions:
- Encourage children to help at home by doing simple things that will go a long way in spreading kindness. Perhaps they could offer to do a sibling’s chore, draw a special picture for mom or dad, or comfort little brother or sister when they are crying.
- Suggest your child pay attention to the other students at school and if they notice a child seems lonely or uncomfortable, invite them to play on the playground or to sit with them at the lunch table. Explain to your child that by doing this they will not only make a new friend, but this kind act will also help the student to feel happy!
- Allow your children to do simple things for you and your neighbors! Help them to bake cookies for an elderly neighbor, or to hold the door open for you. And smile and let them know how much you appreciate their kindness.
- And don’t forget to teach your child to be kind to themselves. Help them to recognize that they are good and loveable. Let them know they don’t have to be perfect and that we all make mistakes and that’s ok! It’s from mistakes that we grow!
JUST BE KIND
Everyday simple acts of kindness will go a long way to improving your life, your family’s life, your community and the world! Being kind will boost your mood and those to whom you share those acts of kindness. And people who receive those acts of kindness are more likely to be generous themselves! So, spread the kindness and make the world a better place!
– Jennifer Wakeley
