Include your kids in Kindness Month
Last weekend, we had the joy of welcoming two close friends to help with a meaningful project—creating winter Blessing Bags for the homeless in our community. Living in Syracuse, NY, we’re all too familiar with the challenges our large homeless population faces, especially during our notoriously long and brutal winters. I feel a deep responsibility to instill in my kids the importance of community service and the impact that small acts of kindness can have on those around us.
To bring this lesson to life, I wanted my kids to be actively involved in a hands-on project that would allow them to experience the joy of giving firsthand. So, with the help of my wonderful friend Mag, who graciously picked up the supplies for us, we got to work. I organized everything into an assembly line in our living room, and we spent the afternoon filling the Blessing Bags together. Each bag included:
Sealable bags to keep the items dry and organized
Hand warmers to provide warmth on those bitterly cold days
New socks, because dry feet are a luxury not everyone has
Chapstick to soothe chapped lips exposed to the elements
Hand lotion to offer some relief from the harsh winter air
Tissues for comfort and hygiene
Hand sanitizing wipes for cleanliness
Granola bars for a quick and easy source of energy
Kindness Notes with handwritten messages from the kids, adding a personal touch of warmth and care
The kids had an absolute blast packing 35 Blessing Bags, each one made a little more special with their handwritten notes. We then delivered most of them to our local Rescue Mission, knowing they would be distributed to those in need. However, we kept a few bags aside so that we can personally hand them out the next time we encounter someone in need on the streets of our city.
These moments are crucial for our kids to witness and be a part of, as they help foster empathy and generosity—qualities that will shape them into compassionate adults. It’s my hope that through these small, thoughtful gestures, they’ll learn that even the simplest acts of kindness can make a profound difference in someone’s life.
As we step into National Kindness Month, I encourage everyone to find ways to show a little extra love each day. Here are some simple ideas to get started:
Mail a heartfelt card to someone you care about. Include sentiments like, "I am so proud of you because..." or "Thinking of you makes me smile." It’s also a great opportunity to teach kids how to properly address an envelope—something my 13-year-old hilariously "forgot" recently!
Shovel the driveway for an elderly neighbor, especially after a heavy snowfall. It’s a kind gesture that can make a big difference in their day.
Prepare and hand out winter Blessing Bags for the homeless, just like we did.
Say "I love you" to someone you truly love. Don’t miss the chance to express your feelings—you’ll never regret it.
Declutter for a cause by giving away two items from your closet every time you get something new. It’s a simple way to help those in need.
Surprise your partner with a morning coffee in bed. It’s a small gesture that can brighten their day.
Leave warm cookies on a friend’s doorstep. My kids love a good ding-dong-ditch, but we make sure to include a little note so they know who it’s from.
Express genuine gratitude to those who make your life a little better—teachers, customer service reps, mail carriers, baristas—everyone deserves to feel appreciated.
Happy National Kindness Month, everyone! Let’s get out there and spread some love.
Annie xo
