We shouldn't need a 'Random Acts of Kindness Day' to remind us to be kind, but hey, it can't hurt. Here are 36 ways to bring a little kindness back into your life…
We get that life can make us a little irritated at times (especially when the toddler just fed the homemade playdough to the dog), but we think Random Acts of Kindness Day is as good a day as any to start taking a deep breath and spreading some happiness. We’ve all heard of ‘random acts of kindness’ – a little friendliness or generosity definitely goes a long way without too much effort on our part. Even better when we can get the kids on board! So shake off the morning blues and get out into the world with the aim of putting a smile on someone’s face. #bekind, people.
Random acts of kindness kids and families can try
12 random acts of kindness for grown-ups
1. Help an elderly person with their heavy grocery bags.
2. The cost of taxis has gone up phenomenally in Singapore. If you have a car, why not carpool a free ride for friends or neighbours heading in the same direction?
3. Send flowers to someone who lives alone on their Birthday, Valentine’s day or any other special occasion.
4. While you’re out and about, compliment a parent on how well-behaved their child is (the ultimate prize for a mummy or daddy).
5. Buy a coffee for the person behind you when queuing up for your caffeine hit. Bonus points if it’s a tired-looking parent.
6. Bring doughnuts or cupcakes to work (and don’t forget to check out our guide to the best cupcakes and best doughnuts in Singapore)! And maybe a side order of something gluten-free for those in the office with intolerances (extra thoughtful = extra kindness).
7. Leave money in a vending machine.
8. Stick up for someone on the internet: while we love our Facebook support groups, inevitable finger-pointing and mum shaming sadly all come with the territory. Fight in a stranger’s corner, but with dignity and kindness.
9. Offer to babysit your neighbour’s kids for a few hours so that they can have some free time.
10. Treat a friend to lunch or dinner. Enjoy a nice meal and have a quiet time, even if it’s just for an hour, catching up with each other.
11. Give up your seat on the bus or train to someone in need like the elderly, disabled, or preggers person.
12. Leave positive feedback to the wait staff who served you at the restaurant with an extra tip. This will make their day and maybe get them a pay raise!
12 random acts of kindness for kids
1. Read a storybook for a younger kid or sibling who can’t read.
2. Share an interesting fact with your friends to conquer a dull moment. It can make learning a whole lot fun, plus it could spark a discussion.
3. Make a thank you card and/or some paper flowers and take them to your frontline healthcare worker, local police, ambulance or fire station. These heroes deserve all the kindness we can show them.
4. Teach your child to stand up for what’s right. Say no to bullying, ostracising, and mistreatment of fellow kids.
5. Leave a picture or note in a library book for the next child to find.
6. Gather together some old toys, books and clothes and donate them to charity.
7. Leave bubbles and a note at the park for other kids to find and play with.
8. Write a letter to someone (the old-fashioned way!) and post it off to someone who won’t be expecting it.
9. Volunteer to show the new kid around the school. Your kiddo makes a new friend, and the new kid will feel less alone.
10. Share or exchange their lunchbox with their friends. It’ll encourage conversations and the expansion of palates!
11. Record the kids singing a song, or delivering a kind message, and send it to someone who will get a smile out of it (grandparents are a good bet!).
12. On that note, spend time with the grandparents (even if it’s virtually!)
12 random acts of kindness for families
1. Write a note of encouragement to each other.
2. Host your new neighbours to a home cooked meal and welcome them to the vicinity.
3. Set up a “free library” in an accessible area near your home. A book-lovin’ mum at Clementi Ridges built a mini library to share her joy of reading with others and it’s been a hit!
4. Help your elderly neighbour with household chores. Getting about simple tasks can be a taxing affair for the aged, and there’s nothing like lending a helping hand to ease the burden.
5. Leave a treat for the delivery person. Or, order an additional meal and pass it (back) to them when they’re at your door.
6. Gift a day off to your hard-working helper and take over her long list of chores.
7. Take the family out to volunteer at a food bank, animal shelter, or non-profit organisation.
8. Gather the troops, head to the beach or park, whack on some gloves and pick up litter (make sure the kids know to not pick up anything sharp or pointy!).
9. Bake cookies (or anything else you fancy) and take them to a local care home.
10. When the heavens open, and if your family has a car, jump in it with a load of umbrellas and drive around giving them out to those who got caught short (usually us).
11. We’re big fans of rock art, so get the craft box out and make some kindness rocks with the kids. Secretly put them in classmates’ bags, or leave them in the park.
12. Let your family sleep in and make them breakfast in bed. Or brunch, depending on the time!
Now go forth and be kind!
