Spreading Kindness Through the Summer
Summertime is a cherished season for kids and adults alike.
For children, it is a time of less structure and more play. For adults, it is an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
And for everyone, it is a chance to spread a little extra kindness. Whether you are picking up litter in your neighborhood or smiling at a stranger, small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
So, this summer, take some time to enjoy the sunny days and show the world a little bit of love and happiness.
With gratitude,
—MiaLisa Millares, Executive Director
ACTIONS
As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, it's easy to spend more time outdoors and enjoy the company of friends and family. It's also a great time to focus a bit more on being kind to others. We have compiled a list of great summer kindness activities.
Here are a few simple ways to incorporate kindness into your summer days:
Keep a kindness journal. At the beginning of the summer, decorate a journal to track all of the wonderful kind actions you will be taking to inspire others.
Keep a kindness journal. At the beginning of the summer, decorate a journal to track all of the wonderful kind actions you will be taking to inspire others.
Help out a neighbor. From watering plants to picking up groceries, there are plenty of ways to lend a helping hand to those who live nearby. Not only will you be making their day a little easier, but you might also make a new friend in the process.
Pay it forward. Whether you hold the door open for someone or buy your coffee barista an iced drink on a hot day, small acts of kindness can brighten someone's day and make the world feel just a little bit nicer.
Decorate with chalk. Take some chalk on your next walk and write kind messages on the ground to inspire all who walk by.
Looking for even more ways to spread kindness? Check out our Experienced Do-Gooder list with even more ideas for spreading kindness this season.
Volunteer Listings
Are you looking for opportunities in your area to volunteer with your kids? Check out our free volunteer listings. Simply subscribe to the list and receive a free monthly email that details a number of different opportunities in your community to give back as a family.
CONVERSATIONS
Setting goals with your children is a great way to set the stage for child-guided learning. By setting goals together and incorporating their ideas, children have more “buy-in” on the planning for the summer months.
What is one goal you have for the summer?
What place do you want to go to?
Who would you like to see?
What book do you plan to read?
What volunteer opportunity do you plan to embrace?
What outdoor activity do you hope to do?
READ
I Can Make a Difference: A Treasury to Inspire Our Children
by Margaret Wright Edelman
This collection is exceptional, with a wonderful combination of stories, poetry, and art. The works in this treasury do not simply teach and inspire. They are literary jewels, beautiful in and of themselves, making them a delight to sit down with your children to savor words so perfectly crafted.
INSPIRATION
"A little spark of kindness can put a colossal burst of sunshine into someone's day."
—Unknown