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“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Mark Twain
I was writing a piece on generosity and thought in order to challenge our teens to have a generous heart, we need to cover what it is to be kind. Generosity and kindness live in the same space.
Kindness is selfless, it’s merciful and compassionate. The action uncovers the heart. Kindness is not natural for some teens, and it needs to be taught. Over time, the kind acts become their own as they experience opportunities to practice kindness.
Random acts of kindness matter! Your teen will get to experience the reward of just doing something kind for someone else. They may never know how much of an impact their kindness can have on someone else who may have needed it.
It teaches your teen that they are only responsible for the choices they make. They can choose to be kind regardless if they get to see the results of their actions. Choosing kindness over and over again benefits their heart and mindset.
In a stage where our teens are exploring where they fit in this world, we can help keep the focus off solely on themselves by providing opportunities to challenge them.
Venmo a friend $5 to buy a coffee.
Buy coffee for the person in line behind you.
Offer your change as a tip to the person helping you at the register.
Give a compliment to your teacher.
Do one of your family member’s chores.
Bring a treat to pass out at school.
Text someone good morning.
Hold the door open for someone.
Let someone go in front of you in line.
Give an extra tip.
Give an unexpected compliment to someone.
Offer to return a stranger's shopping cart to the front.
Pick up a piece of litter on the street.
Write a compliment on someone’s post.
Smile at someone.
Write a thank you note to your teacher.
Call your mom or dad and say I love you.
Write an encouraging note to a family member.
Slow down to let another driver in front of you.
Wave at a neighbor.
Leave an encouraging note for the mailman.
Offer to take your neighbor’s trash bins out.
Be on time.
Send a positive text to 5 different friends.
Write 5 things you are grateful for.