When was the last time you acted randomly with kindness?
What did you do?
Why did you do it?
How did you feel?
How do you think the recipient feels?
How do you think bystanders feel when they witness it?
The questions above are meant to be igniting your old deed of kindness especially when it is random to anyone, especially strangers.
There was no intention of it to be reciprocated or any expectation of receiving something in return.
There was no intention to make you become a famous person.
There was no tangible reward for what you have done. It was spontaneous and in the moment.
Even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference in someone’s day and help to create a more compassionate and caring society.
They may be small gestures by the givers, but they may mean the world to the recipients at that moment.
The purpose of random acts of kindness is to spread positivity and kindness in the world.
By performing these acts, individuals can make a positive impact on others
As well as create a ripple effect of kindness that can inspire others to pay it forward.
In the current technology era, people make a video of an act of kindness, which gets shared on social media to get viewers.
As much as I am inclined to do such things, they have their merit such as the ripple effects to some viewers and start spreading it.
Random acts of kindness can be felt by the giver, recipient and bystanders in many positive ways.
For the giver:
1. Sense of purpose
Performing a random act of kindness can give the giver a sense of purpose and fulfilment, knowing that they have made a positive impact on someone else’s life.
2. Boost in the mood
Acts of kindness have been shown to release dopamine in the brain, which can boost the giver’s mood and reduce stress.
3. Increased empathy
Engaging in acts of kindness can help the giver develop empathy and compassion for others, which can improve their relationships with others.
4. Sense of connection
Performing a kind act can help the giver feel more connected to others and their community.
For the recipient:
1. Boost in the mood
Receiving a random act of kindness can lift the recipient’s mood and make them feel appreciated and valued.
2. Increased sense of well-being
Acts of kindness have been shown to increase feelings of well-being and reduce stress.
3. Increased sense of social support
Receiving a kind act can help the recipient feel supported and cared for, which can improve their sense of social support.
4. Ripple effect
Acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, inspiring the recipient to pay it forward and spread kindness to others.
For bystanders:
1. Inspiration
Seeing someone perform a random act of kindness can inspire bystanders to do the same, creating a ripple effect of kindness and positivity.
2. Sense of community
Acts of kindness can help to create a sense of community and connectedness, which can be felt by bystanders as well as the giver and recipient.
3. Improved mood
Witnessing a kind act can improve the mood of bystanders and make them feel more positive about the world around them.
4. Increased empathy
Witnessing an act of kindness can help bystanders develop empathy and compassion for others, which can improve their relationships and overall well-being.
5. A shift in perspective
Witnessing an act of kindness can help bystanders shift their perspective and see the world in a more positive light.
As an adult, we understand the concept of a random act of kindness but a child under 5 years old may not fully understand the concept of random acts of kindness.
They can still be encouraged to do kind yet simple things for others.
Here are some simple ideas that a child can do to show kindness:
- Share their toys or snacks or crayons with a friend or sibling.
- Draw or make a card for a family member or friend to show they care.
- Give a compliment to someone, such as telling them they look nice or have a cool toy.
- Help a family member with a chore, such as picking up toys or setting the table for dinner.
- Say “please” and “thank you” to show gratitude and appreciation.
- Give someone a hug or a high-five to show affection and support.
- Offer to help a friend who is having trouble with a task or activity.
Encouraging and modelling a child to be kind is an important part of raising them to be compassionate and empathetic people.
It takes a village to raise a child.
When you have no village, raise one.
You can build that village in the hope of restoring humanity from an early age.
In a world that looks perfect at the outset, the seed to act kindness randomly needs to be planted from home.
Here are some ideas to encourage kindness in children:
1. Model kindness.
Children learn by example, so it’s important to model kind behaviour in your interactions with others.
Show your child how to be kind by being kind to them, other family members, and strangers.
2. Praise and reinforce kind behaviour.
When you notice your child being kind, make sure to praise and reinforce that behaviour with positive feedback.
This helps to encourage them to continue being kind in the future.
3. Talk about it.
Have conversations with your child about the importance of kindness and how it makes people feel.
You can use real-life examples of kindness, such as when someone helps them, or they help someone else.
4. Provide opportunities.
Encourage your child to participate in acts of kindness by providing opportunities for them to do so.
For example, you can suggest they help a friend with their homework, or make a card for a grandparent.
5. Read books about kindness.
Reading books that promote kindness and empathy can be a great way to reinforce these values in children.
6. Teach empathy.
Encourage your child to consider how other people are feeling and to put themselves in their shoes.
This can help them develop empathy and understand the impact of their actions on others.
Kindness is a lifelong habit that can be cultivated through consistent modelling and reinforcement.
With time and practice, children can become kind, compassionate, and empathetic individuals who make a positive impact on the world around them.
Planting those seeds of kindness today for the act of random kindness flowers tomorrow.
Happy Random Act of Kindness Day.
For a recent blog on Love is Kindness, head to busymumhack.com
With Kindness,
