Choose Kindness

“You can’t come to my birthday party…”

I know every mom on the planet has heard this phrase in some form – whether your child was on the saying or receiving end. Kindness is an invaluable trait and as a mom, it is my job to raise kind children who encourage, help, serve and befriend others. We all know that children learn and live by example. When one of my children says something rude or mean (yes – they do), I can’t stand by and let it go unnoticed. We must explain the difference between negative and positive words and what these words can do to others. On the way to school, we discuss including others at recess and what that looks like. Choosing to be kind is a life skill that we have a responsibility to instill in our children.

When I volunteer and serve dinner at LeBonheur, I make sure to explain what I am doing and why it is important to serve others. When we donate books or canned goods to a service project at school, I make sure they understand the purpose of giving. When they found out their best friend was in another class, it was the perfect time to talk about making new friends and encouraging them to be kind and encouraging to others. By giving them concrete examples of HOW to be kind, we are setting them up to be kind adults.

Here are 25 ways to choose kindness that you and your children can check off over the next few days…