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Five Acts of Kindness for Families By Jennifer Halter
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ovember is typically the month where we share about all of the things we are thankful for. It’s also the perfect time to teach children about the importance of giving back to others through acts of kindness. Here are five ideas for ways you and your family can do some good deeds for others this month … and beyond!
Donate Toys, Books and Clothing
With the holidays coming up, now is the perfect time to purge unused or outgrown items in your home. For children, this can be toys that they no longer play with or are no longer age-appropriate. Turn giving into a game by seeing how many toys they can find to give away in 10 minutes. Or, make it fun by challenging them to find items by color, shape or size. For example, you could say, “Find a toy you no longer play with that is red,” or “Find a toy that you no longer play with that has wheels.” It can be hard for little ones to part with their things, so making it into a game and explaining why you are donating and who it can benefit may help. For books, check with local preschools, daycare centers or
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November 2020 prince william living
even churches to see if they are able to use your items. Search for a Little Free Library nearby to leave your books and possibly find something new. With clothing, make it fun by having a fashion show or pretend you are shopping in a store and need to try on things to make sure they fit. Anything that is too snug or “out of style” (If you have tweens or teens, you probably know that phrase all too well!), can be given to local shelters, churches or other organizations serving families.
Help a Veteran
In November, we celebrate Veterans Day, so this is a wonderful time to spread kindness to those who have served our country. Have your family create cards, draw pictures, or write letters and send to VA hospitals. If you have veterans who live in your neighborhood, offer to help them with household chores such as raking leaves, cleaning gutters or taking their trash can to the curb. Cooking a big meal? Take a plate to a neighbor who may live alone. Check in with them to see if they need assistance with running errands or buying groceries.
Give Thanks to Teachers and School Staff
It’s been an unprecedented time within our local school system, and teachers, administrators and staff have all put in many hours to ensure that our children have been (continues on page 26)
