How to Plan A ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ Summer

Spring is almost over, and we’re inching toward that first official day of summer – June 20th, guys! This time of year, I’m always brainstorming as to “what shall we do” all summer to stay entertained and challenged while simultaneously allowing plenty (and I mean, plenty!) of R & R poolside.  It’s a delicate balance, but the lazy nap days of summer are a MUST while also finding plenty of activities so that we don’t grow overly bored and whiny!

“Random Acts of Kindness” is usually celebrated in the month of February, but this year I’m thinking, “Why not summer?!”  We have three months of (almost) endless hours to not only have our own fun but to focus on doing kind things for others among our family, friends, neighbors and community. 

Teaching our kids to think of others before themselves through simple acts of kindness can truly be SO easy. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated or expensive, and most of the time, these random acts become a lot of fun and make for some great summer memories. So, if you’re like me and you’re mapping out your summer bucket list, these might be some fun ones to add to the list! Here are some ideas to do with kids of all ages:

Happy summer, mamas, and don’t forget to #payitforward!

  1. Write happy notes on a friend’s driveway with sidewalk chalk.
  2. Give away old toys to younger children, a non-profit organization or to the Salvation Army.
  3. Bring a glass of lemonade to a neighbor doing yard work.
  4. Let someone step ahead of you in line.
  5. Donate coloring books to your local YMCA.
  6. Leave bubbles on someone’s doorstep with a fun summer note: “You blow me away!”
  7. Volunteer to walk dogs at the Kansas Humane Society.
  8. Mail a nice letter to a good friend.
  9. Take cans of food to the local food bank.
  10. Make busy bags for sick kids at your local children’s hospital.
  11. Help your mom and dad make dinner and set the table.
  12. Bring flowers to someone who’s not feeling well.
  13. Take paints and paper to share at a local playground.
  14. Leave a treat in the mailbox for your mail carrier.
  15. Open the door for strangers.
  16. Pick up trash around your neighborhood or at a local park.
  17. Set up a lemonade stand and donate the profits to a good cause.
  18. Read a book at a nursing home.
  19. Volunteer to serve the homeless at a local soup kitchen.
  20. Do a chore for your mom, dad or sibling.
  21. Drop off thank you letters and cookies at the local fire station.
  22. Enter a 5K for a good cause.
  23. Leave a jar of wishing pennies by a fountain.
  24. Mail a Wichita post card to a friend who lives far away.
  25. Leave an encouraging note inside of a library book.

 

Kristen Corrigan
Kristen is half city, half country, but a true Southern girl at heart. She moved to Wichita from Nashville, Tennessee in 2014 and calls Wichita one of the best kept secrets in the Midwest! Kristen is married to a busy MD, Chad, and is mom to Caden (6) and a baby girl due in September 2017! Kristen is a dentist, but is currently soaking up life as a SAHM. She is a dance team coach at Wichita Collegiate School and her joys in life include time with family and friends, coffee, fitness, fashion, sweet tea, traveling, and all things COLORFUL!