sample

Don't you love the convenience of Starbucks being inside Target? Today, while I was at Target, Starbucks employees roamed the store asking people if they wanted to try a sample of Eggnog Frappuccino. Isn't that sweet?


photo courtesy of Lorianne DiSabato

day eight

I'm trying to remember to point out the acts of kindness as they happen. I love to see the smile on their faces when they realize they've been caught being kind!

Carly gave her brother her bottle of water when he was thirsty. Cooper let Carly use his DSi all day. Nice sharing with each other, babies.

It makes a mama proud.

days six and seven

We keep forgetting. But here's what I've learned. My kids are kind in general. This morning I asked Cooper to remember what intentional act of kindness he accomplished. He says, "does kindness in general count?". I let him know that kindness always counts but I'm looking for an intentional, thought out, planned act of kindness. His response was, "I keep forgetting." So, do I discount his general kindness? No way, Jose!

In general, Cooper showed kindness by making breakfast for his friend, Robert; sharing his sunglasses with his friend, Harli; getting blankets out for him and Robert for a sleepover; snugging and loving on mom after a really hard day; getting along with two friends over at the same time (HUGE!); not complaining because he couldn't see his friend, Luke; etc. I'm sure there is much more that he couldn't remember and I didn't see.

Carly, was a tremendous help to me while I was away from the family. She stepped up to the plate to help fill the void of mama being gone. She did it with love and grace, blessing many people who fortunately reaped the benefits of the service of this wonderful girl.

Does it matter that they don't remember to plan in advance their act of kindness or do they just need to know that the way they love and take care of their friends and family is super kind? I suspect both but mostly the latter.

I love my babies!

day five

Lunchtime at school usually lends an opportunity for Cooper to feel pressured to give up a delicious treat to kids wanting it for themselves. There have been many times Cooper has come home bummed he didn't get to eat a rice krispie treat or enjoy a whole bag of cookies. Today Cooper chose to share part of his lunch with a friend. How different it is when you get to choose to share rather than feel forced to give up. Good job, Cooper.

There's lots of activity at our house this weekend. As I was trying to get as much prep work done as possible today, Carly chose to jump in and help me. She made cupcakes and put away the groceries. I am grateful to be the recipient of Carly's kindness. Thanks, Carly.

I'm very proud of these two great kids!

day four

To show kindness today Cooper helped two friends work out their differences. He was really upset when two of his friends were fighting with each other. He stepped up to help them work it out and then they all three finished recess together.

Way to go, Cooper! You're an awesome friend!

day three

To show kindness today Cooper chose to encourage a friend who was in a race. Carly chose to share her lifesavers with her class.

I love that they are starting to think outside of themselves and recognize that the simplest thing - cheering for someone and giving someone a small piece of candy is actually very kind.

day two

Today Carly let a friend braid her hair.

Why is this an intentional act of kindness? Well, this morning Carly spent a good portion of her time painstakingly braiding her hair in a baby fish braid (see Pinterest post here). Carly loves doing hair and she's a bit of a perfectionist. For Carly to take her braid out, let her friend re-braid her hair, and keep it braided is huge. Good for Carly for putting her friend's feelings above her own.

day one

Day one of intentional acts of kindness with our kids:

Carly: "My act of kindness today was asking dad if he needed anything done and letting Cooper play on my phone." - The latter was huge. You know Cooper has cooties.

Cooper: "Today to show kindness I let Carly borrow my (Nintendo) DSi."

We're on our way to being more intentional with kindness.

intentional acts of kindness

I found a "pin" on Pinterest connected to the blog I Can Teach My Child. I think it's a great idea to spend 30 days doing intentional acts of kindness with your kids. This blogger started on November 1st - I think I'll start today and go for 30. Pick any 30 days and do it with me.