As the festive season approaches, it's the perfect time to encourage kindness in kids. The holidays bring an air of warmth (especially here in Queensland) and giving, making it an ideal opportunity to help children learn the value of being kind to others. Here are some easy, practical ways to instil kindness in kids during the Christmas season, turning everyday moments into chances to spread joy.
1. Create Kindness Advent Calendars
Instead of traditional advent calendars with candy, try making a kindness calendar. Each day leading up to Christmas, have your child complete a small act of kindness. This could be as simple as helping a sibling with chores, writing a nice note for a friend, or offering a compliment. Not only does this build excitement each day, but it also encourages daily acts of kindness and a habit of thinking of others.
2. Write Letters and Cards to Spread Joy
Encourage children to write cards or letters to people in need of some extra holiday cheer, such as residents in local nursing homes or community helpers like firefighters or healthcare workers. You could even suggest they write letters to family members or friends. This teaches kids that a simple message can bring warmth and joy to others, even if they've never met.
3. Set Up a Family Donation Box
During the lead-up to Christmas, create a box where family members can place items they’d like to donate. Encourage your child to look for toys, clothes, and books they no longer use but are in good condition. At the end of the season, take your child to drop off these items together. This hands-on experience helps them see how sharing their belongings can bring happiness to others.
4. Make Kindness Rocks Together
Collect some rocks and decorate them with positive, uplifting messages and festive designs. You could get creative with paint or rock painting pens. Once finished, take your children to a nearby park or walking trail, and place the rocks where others will see them. It’s a simple but fun way to spread kindness in your community and remind others that someone cares.
5. Bake Treats for Neighbours
Christmas is a time for sweet treats, and baking can be a wonderful activity to do with kids! Get your child involved in baking cookies, cakes, or other treats to give to neighbours, teachers, or even delivery drivers. Letting kids help in the kitchen and personally handing out the treats gives them a hands-on role in making others smile.
6. Practice Gratitude as a Family
In the rush of the season, it’s easy to focus on what we want or wish we had. Set aside time each night to reflect on the things your family is grateful for. You can even encourage children to keep a holiday gratitude journal or decorate a “gratitude tree” with leaves or ornaments listing things they appreciate. Practicing gratitude nurtures kindness by helping kids recognise what they already have, fostering a desire to share with others.
7. Spend Time Volunteering
Many organisations need extra help during the holidays, so consider finding volunteer opportunities you can do together as a family. From helping at a local food bank to wrapping gifts for charities, this is a powerful way to instil the value of giving time and effort to those in need. Just be sure the activity is appropriate for your child’s age and interests to make it an enjoyable learning experience.
8. Teach Them to Appreciate Small Gestures
Talk to your child about the little ways they can show kindness, like smiling at people, opening doors for others, or simply saying “thank you.” During your holiday outings, make it a game to spot small acts of kindness they can perform or see if they can spot the kind things other people do. These small acts teach children that kindness doesn’t have to be grand—it’s something they can carry into everyday life.
9. Model Kindness in Your Own Actions
One of the best ways to teach kindness is to model it yourself. Show your child the spirit of giving through your own actions, whether that’s giving time, support, or simple compliments to people you encounter. When kids see kindness being valued and practiced, they’re much more likely to incorporate it into their own lives.
10. Encourage Homemade Gifts for Family and Friends
Gifts don’t always have to come from a store; often, the most meaningful gifts are those that are homemade. Help your child create homemade presents, such as painted ornaments, picture frames, or home baking. Let them experience the joy that comes from putting thought and effort into creating something special for someone else, emphasising the personal touch of giving from the heart.
All of these activities show children that kindness is an action they can practice at any time, in simple, enjoyable ways. By focusing on small, consistent acts of thoughtfulness, you help build a foundation for them to carry kindness forward into the new year and beyond. This holiday season, let’s teach children that the best gift they can give is a kind heart.
Remember to be kind and share joy!
- Allanah (speech therapist)
Comments