Let's Encourage Random Acts of Kindness

Last Thursday after school, my daughter Caitlin asked me if we could go to the playground. This was a stark departure from her usual pattern of decompressing from school by wanting to play on her tablet. But here's the thing: Caitlin didn't just want to go to the playground to play; she wanted to bring garbage bags so that we could clean up the park.

"I want to do something nice for the squirrels," she said.

It turns out that Caitlin's teacher had been encouraging her class to practice random acts of kindness. That day, they had written nice notes to the principal telling her what they liked about their school. When they delivered their notes, the children were encouraged by their principal's genuine surprise and gratitude. They had caught the kindness bug.

Caitlin has seemed a little bit happier and more energetic in these past few days. We've been talking a lot about other ways we can show people (and animals) kindness, and I'm finding that her ADHD-related anger has been put on hold.

So let's try it! Let's all encourage our kids to reach out to their family, friends, and community members to show how kind we can be. Because kindness isn't only rewarding - it's contagious!

​How can you pass on some kindness today?