Kids Kindness is something that should be taught and reinforced everyday.
“I’m an idealist and want to change the world.”
Such a simple, but direct statement, which were the opening words to Jennifer Iacovelli’s Simple Giving – Easy Ways to Give Everyday. Kids Kindness and actually kindness for all is central in her book.
Plus, I knew from that first sentence that this was to be an eye opening and inspiring read. But then again, I wasn’t surprised by this at all. Why? Because I have been a longtime reader of her blog, Another Jennifer, which has a similar feel to it.
Still Jennifer’s message in her book is one that is fundamental and basic as they come. But also one that many overlook yet though.
I admit as much as I want to give back daily, not too proud to admit that I get bogged down by life sometimes. But as Jennifer’s book explains giving and being philanthropic doesn’t necessarily require a lot of time or money even. Plus, it also doesn’t stop me from still feeling quite similar to Jennifer in wanting and wishing to change the world.
Moreover as the mom to two young girls, I am continually trying to make this world we live in a better place for my kids. I also am imparting upon them the basic concept of helping others. And also that they should do all they can daily to be kind and caring, as much as possible.
Kids Kindness in Action…
Recently, I got a glimpse that I may have indeed being doing something right where my older daughter is concerned.
See about two weeks ago, my girls climbed down the bus steps returning home from school. My oldest had her hands full and her own backpack bogged down on her 6 year old back.
Then, my younger daughter appeared without her backpack attached to her own back.
On further inspection, her older sister was carrying that same backpack for her.
When asked why she was carrying her sister’s backpack, my oldest simply stated, “Because it was too heavy for her and I offered to help her.”
But that’s not the end by far. See since that first day, my girl has carried her sister’s backpack off the bus with a smile on her face to boot.
Still that isn’t just it. Because I am constantly hearing from my oldest’s friends and classmates parents, that their kid just loves my daughter. Why? Because she is simply kind hearted. At first inspection, this is the quieter and shyer of my two girls. But make no mistake this kid has the heart of gold. Because she would take the shirt off her back for most if they needed it.
For her, it is just the simple pull to act on giving that makes her happy.
But why does kids kindness rule for my girl?
And as I continued to read Jennifer’s book, it became clearer to me. What exactly? Well, why my girl thrives on giving it forward and being on the whole kind more often than not daily.
In Simple Giving, Jennifer explains this pull to give. She also shares the psychology behind giving, 6 Different Giving Models and even how to become a simple giver.
There really is something for all who want to be kinder, as well as more giving in Simple Giving. Therefore, I couldn’t recommend Jennifer’s book to all to read.
Still in celebrating the release of Simple Giving, I decided to discuss this with both my girls. So, I asked for their help in coming up with 20 simple acts of kindness for all kids to pay it forward.
So without further ado, check out their list…
20 Everyday Acts of Kindness for All Kids
1. Set the table for mom/dad for breakfast and/or dinner
2. Hold the door open when leaving the house for your parents and/or siblings.
3. Be kind to your bus driver by saying hello when you get on the bus and also saying goodbye when you get off the bus.
4. Say hello to as many as you can at school, such as teacher, principal, school officials and classmates.
5. Let your friend go first getting lunch.
6. Help with feeding or walking the family dog.
7. Try to make a new friend at school.
8. Collect foods and canned goods for a food drive at school.
9. Help your younger sister or even a friend if they need with homework.
10. Say something nice to a friend or family member at least once every day.
11. Color a picture for a friend, family member or teacher.
12. Clean up your toys/books/clothes and donate those you no longer to the children who are in need.
13. At school pick up trash and put it in the garbage can or help your teacher clean up the classroom.
14. Spend quality time with your grandparents.
15. Write a note to your parent(s) or grandparent(s) and tell them you love them.
16. Do chores around the house without being asked to do so.
17. Read read a book to your sibling.
18. Go grocery shopping with your mom/dad and help carry the bags into the house.
19. Give a hugs to your parents, grandparents, siblings or friends, just because you can and love them.
20. Smile Daily, because smiling is easy and happiness begets happiness!
For those who want more help daily, print or pin our FREE 20 Kids Kindness Acts List below:
No go forth and make it happen. Because you can change the world with just one simple act of kids kindness at a time.
another jennifer says
This is amazing, Janine! Thank you for the wonderful review. It is not surprise to me that you are bringing up a couple of simple givers. Your 20 kindness ideas are perfect!!
Janine says
Jennifer, this was absolutely my pleasure and I mean it when I say, I loved your book. Truly a wonderful read and asset for all looking for ways to embrace being kinder and more giving. I just couldn’t put it down and wanted my readers to know that here and so much more. Congrats and so very excited for you now!! 🙂
Seana Turner says
Great list to print and hang where kids can see it. Maybe talk about it over dinner and let kids pick one they’d like to do during the day or week. Some kids are naturally more “others” centered, so giving comes easily. Others need to be gently reminded to be considerate and kind. Always a worthwhile conversation:)
Janine says
Seana, I couldn’t agree with you more that some kids are just inherently more giving than others, but still never hurst to try to start them young and keep reinforcing it for all 😉
Bill says
I am convinced my words help to change the world. I am convinced yours do as well. Have a terrific Tuesday, Janine.
Janine says
Bill, I just couldn’t agree more and seriously hopefully that both our work will indeed convince others to go forth and do some good now! Happy Tuesday to you, too!! 😉
Alexa says
What a fantastic review Janine! I love your 20 acts for children! This is awesome!
Janine says
Aw, thanks so much again, Alexa and truly so happy to share Jennifer’s book and some simple acts for all kids to be a bit more kind now 😉
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
I love this! I believe it’s so important to foster simple giving and helping attitudes in our children. This is one of the reasons why I enrolled my oldest in Girl Guides – they really focus on kindness and helping others. I like my children “hearing the talk” from a variety of sources (it gives old mom more credibility).
Sounds like a lovely book!
Thanks for sharing.
Pinning this to my Deliberate HELPING board.
xoxo
Janine says
Aw, sounds like we are truly on the same page here and Girl Guides sounds like a great thing to have a young girl enrolled in and want to check that out now, too. Thank you also for pinning!! xoxo 😉
Kelly L McKenzie says
This book sounds like a gem. And, once again, your two girls are so very blessed to have you as their mom.
Janine says
This book is truly a treasure trove and so much love Kelly to you for all your kindness to me here always!! 😉
Diane Roark says
Janine,
What would the world be like if every parent would teach their kids these 20 acts of kindness. I love these ideas. This is a great way to teach kids to put others first.
Thanks for sharing,
Diane
Janine says
Aw, I would love a world like this and most definitely just smiling thinking about it now!! 😉
Chris Carter says
AW!!! I just LOVE how you did this review, Janine!! What an incredibly creative approach to Jennifer’s great mission in giving! Your girl is just such a beautiful example of kindness, isn’t she? I just adore how she helps her sister and her friends!!
Your list of ways kids can be kind and approach this mission is absolutely AWESOME!! Parents everywhere can use it with their kids!! I will share this with my own!!
Janine says
Aw, thank you so much, Chris and coming from you I am truly beaming and blushing as you are just an awesome and one of the most kind people I have the pleasure to know and call a friend!! 🙂
Jen says
Kindness is really so simple and yet it makes such a BIG difference! Thank you Janine for sharing and writing this lovely post today. Hugs to you!
Janine says
Aw, thank you so much Jen and so many hugs right back at you!! 🙂
Aunt Gloria says
This gives me hope for the future! What a great list for kids of all ages! I think both the girls having the giving gene….but this was such a sweet act by Emma to help Lily. Love you all…….xxoo
Janine says
Aw, Aunt Gloria not going to lie still loved this act by Emma, too. Love you too xoxo
Aunt Gloria says
I hear you had a busy Halloween and it sounds like you all had fun! See you soon….xxoo
Janine says
Yes we definitely did and see you soon, too xoxo
Bev says
What a wonderful list! I love how Jen makes the act of giving as simple as doing something kind for someone, and this was a great way to spread her message. That is so sweet, by the way, about your daughter. Such a wonderful big sister 🙂
Janine says
Aw, Bev I totally agree with you on both counts!! 😉
Ducks 'n a Row says
LOVE #14!!! LOL If they all do it we’ll need a schedule. 12 grands 4 greats! ♥
Janine says
I love that you’d need a schedule and just made me smile more than you know, Sinea!! 😉
Tamara says
Definitely happy to see my own photo on this post! Yay!
Totally crying about the backpacks, by the way. SO sweet.
Janine says
Aw, I love that picture and once again you need to take photos here of my family and me too. And the backpacks still get me every time, too!
Louise says
Thanks for sharing this! I have added it to my “To Read” list! Always good to spend some time thinking on how we can be kind and help our kids do the same.
Janine says
Aw, totally my pleasure and just couldn’t agree more on how we can help our kids to be more kind.
Leslie says
Such an important message. I love the list of acts of kindness for kids. This has me seriously thinking….
Pinning straight away!
Janine says
Thanks so much Leslie for pinning, too!! 🙂
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Smiling is the easiest way, but you are right – there are lots of ways to show it 🙂
Janine says
Robin, there really are so many ways even more than I shared here I am sure 😉
Aunt Gloria says
I left a comment the other day….I don’t think you are getting them. Is there a problem?
Janine says
I did get and respond to your comment. You may need to scroll slowly but I believe you will see and find it.
Rea says
Awww, this is very heartwarming! If there’s a way we can change the world in our own simple ways then why not right? Your girls are so sweet to each other. It all really starts at home.
Janine says
Aw, thanks Rea and couldn’t agree more it really does start at home.
Kelly Arnell says
What more could we ask for than to raise kind people? Thanks for the great list!
Janine says
Aw, my pleasure Kelly and truly so happy to share!! 😉
April says
Overall, my kids are pretty kind. I’m amazed how nice and thoughtful Bee can be to Butterfly especially. I’m going to share this list with my son.
Janine says
Aw, I love hearing this about your kids and also so happy that you are sharing with your son, too!! 🙂
The Pinterested Parent says
This is such a great list. Sooo sweet. I think I will schedule to share on my Facebook.
Janine says
Aw, thank you for sharing on Facebook, Kim 😉
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom says
I love the story about your daughter carrying her sister’s backpack – so kind! And what a fabulous book it sounds like I must now read!
Janine says
Thanks Katy and hope you do get to read soon now 😉
Lisa @ The Golden Spoons says
Love your list! I need to get Jennifer’s book, too!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Lisa and hope you get to read her book soon now, too! 😉