We shouldn't need a 'Random Acts of Kindness Day' to remind us to be kind, but hey, it can't hurt. Here are 30 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
10 random acts of kindness for grown-ups
1. Bring along extra masks. You can give one to a person who requires a new mask.
2. While you’re out and about, compliment a parent on how well-behaved their child is (the ultimate prize for a mummy or daddy).
3. Buy a coffee for the person behind you when queuing up for your caffeine hit. Bonus points if it’s a tired-looking parent.
4. 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).
5. Leave money in a vending machine.
6. 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.
7. Offer to babysit your neighbour’s kids for a few hours so that they can have some free time.
8. 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.
9. Give up your seat on the bus or train to someone in need like the elderly, disabled, or preggers person.
10. Leave positive feedback to the wait staff who served you at the restaurant. This will make their day and maybe get them a pay raise!
10 random acts of kindness for kids
1. 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.
2. Teach your child to stand up for what’s right. Say no to bullying, ostracising, and mistreatment of fellow kids.
3. Leave a picture or note in a library book for the next child to find.
4. Gather together some old toys, books and clothes and donate them to charity.
5. Leave bubbles and a note at the park for other kids to find and play with.
6. Write a letter to someone (the old-fashioned way!) and post it off to someone who won’t be expecting it.
7. Volunteer to show the new kid around the school. Your kiddo makes a new friend, and the new kid will feel less alone.
8. Share or exchange their lunchbox with their friends. It’ll encourage conversations and the expansion of palates!
9. 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!).
10. On that note, spend time with the grandparents (even if it’s virtually!)
10 random acts of kindness for families
1. 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!
2. Send a care package to a family member or friend who’s self-isolating. This is becoming commonplace nowadays, given that Covid-19 is becoming less of a threat (and more of a nuisance!).
3. Leave a treat for the delivery person. Or, order an additional meal and pass it (back) to them when they’re at your door.
4. Return the shopping trolley after that supermarket trip. Don’t abandon them at random places or areas very far away from the supermarket!
5. Take the family out to volunteer at a food bank, animal shelter, or non-profit organisation.
6. 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!).
7. Bake cookies (or anything else you fancy) and take them to a local care home.
8. 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).
9. 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.
10. Let your family sleep in and make them breakfast in bed. Or brunch, depending on the time!
Now go forth and be kind!
