The Power of Kindness

Exhausted? Anxious? Try doing something nice for someone. Scientific studies have showed that there is a strong link between random acts of kindness and overall good health.

Never underestimate the power of a single act of kindness. You may change just their day, or you may change their entire mindset.

In schools where empathy is part of the curriculum, teachers report that teaching kindness creates a healthy learning environment, positive social-emotional development, and impressive academic achievement. Kindness increases our serotonin level, which plays an important role in memory, learning, and health.

Performing acts of kindness is a great way to bond with your kiddos and at the same time teach them about compassion and empathy. Modeling kindness for your little one ensures that they will understand the importance of being kind. Performing these small acts all year long will benefit both the recipient and the giver.

An act of kindness does not need to cost money or take time. In fact, you may already do some while trying to teach manners to your child. Some ideas for kiddos to spread some happiness:

• Pick up trash at the park.

• Make cards for a senior citizen home.

• Leave a friendly note in a library book.

• Donate toys or clothes

• Give money to a charity

• Help a neighbor

There are also many ideas that you can do together.

• Make dinner for a neighbor.

• Give hot coffee to someone working outside on a cold day.

• Bake cookies and take them to the local fire station