Acts of Kindness...Start at Home...

-Post # 1-

     I love to hear how so many are making a commitment to give by doing random acts of kindness.

It's wonderful that people are ready and willing to "do" for others! But don't forget those acts of kindness are just as important at home. Especially in homes with little ones watching and learning your every move.
What starts at home will carry through.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

Here are some simple ideas of acts of kindness inside and out of the home.

At Home: 

Parents:   

*complement your kids every day  

*complement your spouse every day

*take the time to make special little treats for your kiddos, just because

*make time to have "one on one" time with each of your kids and spouse.  Make a date night for you and your child and you and your spouse.

*make a coupon book for the kids to redeem from you. (movie night with mom and or dad, trip to park, stay up late one night, trip for ice cream)

*help them with their chores, just to help

There really are so many thing we can do. And often the ones that mean the most and that the kids remember the most are not the most expensive and time consuming. Every little thing counts and builds on each one before.

                                                                           

Kids:

*complement siblings each day

*read to siblings

*write notes for siblings, parents, or friends

*offer to share toys (just because)

*make something special for each other

*spend a few of their own dollars on sibling or friend
*spend time with or help an elderly neighbor

Kids will live what we live. If we are kind and generous then they will be too.  If we are respectful of others, then they will be too. But if we are selfish and greedy then they will be too. If we are abusive and neglectful, then they will be too. Live the life you want for your children.

Working together as a family to do acts of kindness can often be very beneficial to the family giving.  I have seen families give or work together to help others and in the end the family giving often feels like they are the ones receiving. The time spent together as a family to help others can strengthen family bonds and help the family focus on what is truly important.

Outside The Home:

*At the beginning of the school year, pick a school and grade. With your family fill a backpack with needed supplies and give to school to give to a student in need. 

*Pack gallon size baggies with: toothpaste, toothbrush, wipes, lotion, sunscreen, socks, gloves, crackers, finger snacks (non-perishable) and maybe a few dollars and/or a note from you. Hand out when you come across someone in need, or take to churches to use for their needy care packages. (make up a few bags and keep in car) 

*Take goodies or flowers to an elderly neighbor. 

*Give cashier $5, $10, or more to put towards next customers purchase.

*Make a thank you note and place in your mail box for the mail carrier.

*Make a thank you note and tape to your trash bin for the garbage truck driver

*Make up notes with words of encouragement, place in an envelope with a few dollars (if you want) and hand out when out.

*Shovel the walk for a neighbor when it snows.

The list could go on and on.

Make a list and then give!

Be the one who puts a smile on another face today!

Show others what God's love can do through you!

I would like to do another post down the road with more "acts of kindness" so I would love some more ideas and thoughts from you all. Acts of kindness at home or away.