Each year, Kiddie Academy® recognizes Random Acts of Kindness week by encouraging Academies to spread kindness in whatever ways feel meaningful to them. In previous years, Academies have celebrated by donating essentials to local homeless shelters, writing cards for residents at nursing homes, and volunteering at a park clean-up. We then pick one Academy to receive a winning donation of $1,500 to a nonprofit of their choice and announce it on Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17).
Hosted by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, Kiddie Academy participates in this initiative from February 2-13. Here are some ways to keep the momentum going at home:
- Make Kindness Notes Together: Write cards for neighbors, educators, or nursing home residents or leave “you’re appreciated!” notes for mail carriers, delivery drivers, or family members.
- Build a Family Kindness Jar: Every time someone does something kind (sharing a toy, helping clean up, giving a compliment), add a slip of paper to the jar. At the end of the week, read them together and celebrate how many acts your family completed.
- Donate Essentials as a Family: Academies often donate gently used books, hygiene kits, or basic essentials to local charities as their act of kindness. Use this as inspiration and have your child help pick items and explain who they will help.
- Create Care Packages: Assemble small care packages for family members, neighbors, or community helpers like nurses or firefighters. Children can help by drawing pictures or choosing items like snacks or hand warmers.
- Try a “Kindness Challenge” at Home: Pick a simple goal for the week, such as giving five compliments or helping with one extra chore.
- Make Kindness Art: Decorate rocks with encouraging messages and place them around your local neighborhood.
- Read About Kindness Together: Choose picture books about empathy, sharing, and friendship. Then talk about ways the characters showed kindness and how your family can do the same.
- Help at Home in Meaningful Ways: Invite your child to feed a pet, set the table, and tidy toys without being asked.
Random Acts of Kindness Week isn’t just about doing good – it reinforces important social‑emotional skills like empathy, cooperation, gratitude, and respect. Children learn that even the smallest actions can brighten someone else’s day, and that kindness is something they can choose anytime.
