Kid-Friendly Random Acts of Kindness Ideas

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” 

- Leo Buscaglia 

This famous quote by Leo Buscaglia reminds us that a simple act of kindness has a thriving impact. And as parents, we long to instill a kind heart in our children. Since primary habits, behavior, and beliefs are typically formed by the time a child is seven years old, cultivating kindness is important even during infancy and toddlerhood. 

You may find it difficult to think of acts of kindness suitable for little ones, but there are plenty of activities that a young child can pick up on. To make it easy, we’ve crafted an extensive list of ideas of kid-friendly random acts of kindness: 

Smile to everyone at the grocery store.

“Monkey see, monkey do.” As your baby sees you offering smiles all around, your baby will likely smile too. This is especially sweet if your child is at the beginning stages of smiling and giggling. 

Bring a neighbor a bouquet of flowers. 

Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a bouquet of flowers. Take a stroll with your little one to a neighbor’s house and leave them on their doorstep. 
Start recycling at home. 

If you don’t already recycle, start a recycling bin at home. As your child grows, this is a fun way to teach them about colors and coordination (black = trash, blue = recycle). Give them a plastic water bottle to recycle, then a napkin to put in the trash. Overtime, they’ll pick up on the logistics. 

Give a stranger a compliment. 

Make it a habit to give one person a compliment every time you’re shopping or on a family walk. A simple “I adore your shoes!” to a mom on a run or “Wow, you’re so patient,” when their child is throwing a temper tantrum in the produce section will brighten someone’s day. 

Thank your child’s teacher with a coffee.

If you have a little one in grade school or childcare, bring your child’s teacher a cup of coffee to get through a Monday, or even a gift card to their favorite coffee shop to enjoy on the weekend. 

Pick up trash around the neighborhood.

Help keep your neighborhood in good condition by picking up trash with the littles.  

Donate toys to a local shelter.

Next time your child’s room needs a thorough cleanout, take the clothes that no longer fit and the toys they’ve lost interest in into a local women’s or homeless shelter. Talk with your child about how this small act will bless someone else their age. 

Surprise a friend with homemade cookies, or their favorite dessert. 

Be kind, starting in the kitchen! Bake a friend special treats—just because. If you have older siblings at home, they can help too. 

Mail gratitude cards to grandparents. 

Buy a pack of blank cards and envelopes for your kiddos to decorate. Adjust this activity for age-appropriate development. For 0-2 years, you can do the painted baby handprints for the front of the card and write the inside message on behalf of your child. “Dear grandpa, I’m so thankful for your funny jokes. You always know how to make me laugh. Love, Ava.” For 2-5 years, have them color an image on the front then trace a short-and-sweet message inside: “Dear grandma, Thanks for all your hugs. Love, James.” If your child is vocal, you can ask them, “Why are you grateful for your grandma/grandpa?” so the message still comes from their heart. For families whose grandparents have passed on, check out the Adopt a Grandparent program. Not only does this activity exercise creative and writing skills, but it also provides an opportunity to encourage your child to respect and appreciate the elderly. 

To make this more playful, print out this “Random Acts of Kindness” bingo card to complete as a family.  

Go out, and be kind today! 

For more parenting ideas, follow Colic Calm on Pinterest.