Encouraging Acts of Kindness

Ezra gathering field daisies in The Shenandoah Valley, VA.  senk 2013

Joey and Ezra love to gather wildflowers and garden flowers, strawberries, sugar snap peas, and even eggs (from the chicken coop). But, they gather them for a purpose - usually to take to Grandmommy. 

Children have a natural propensity toward compassion. They love to create gifts for others and are quick to add hugs and kisses to the list, as well. Encouraging acts of kindness is an important part of not only homeschooling, but also life.

In our household, Joey and Ezra will find miscellaneous toys, wrap them in recycled newsprint, and then give them to one another. It's adorable to see them at such play. I keep bits of ribbon, wrappings, or bags that we got from previous gifts for them to use in their giving play. They use scraps of paper for notes; write "I love you" cards to friends and family; and make random phone calls to loved ones just to see how they are doing. I keep a mailable envelop for extended family that lives out-of-state and mail it when we've gathered a collection of their compassionate memorabilia. And, Joey is starting to type "I love you" e-mails to family with such addresses.

There are myriad other ways for children to demonstrate compassion. Perhaps you could make baked goods to take to neighbors or work at a food pantry together. Make a meal for someone in need of some tender, loving care and teach your child the power of prayer. Each morning and evening, our family has prayer time together and it's so powerful to hear them pray for friends by name. Another important skill that shows kindness is teaching children how to say a hearty "thank you" to those that bless their lives. 

How do your children show kindness? Are they gentle with animals and even bugs; do they show care for the environment? Do they offer a helping hand (such as a back scratch when it's needed) or want to make things for others? Share ways your family promotes compassion, too.