Summer is a season full of freedom, sunshine, and popsicles, but it's also the perfect time to plant seeds of kindness in our kids. With school on pause and more time at home, we have an incredible opportunity to focus on small, meaningful acts of compassion that help our children grow into thoughtful, others-focused little humans.
The best part? Teaching kindness doesn’t require a big budget, a Pinterest-worthy plan, or even leaving the house. It starts with simple, everyday moments and we’ve created a hands-on way to keep that message front and center all summer long.
Why Small Acts of Kindness Matter
Whether it’s offering a compliment, helping a sibling clean up, or writing a kind note to the mail carrier, small acts of kindness help children learn:
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Empathy and emotional awareness
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A sense of contribution and purpose
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That their actions, no matter how small, can make a real difference
And when we slow down to model these moments and celebrate them together, we create a ripple effect of goodness that goes far beyond our homes.
10 Small Acts of Kindness Activities for Summer Days
Looking for ideas? Here are 10 easy, heartwarming ways to practice kindness with your kids:
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Make “Thank You” cards for community helpers like firefighters, trash collectors, or librarians.
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Leave encouraging chalk messages on your driveway or sidewalk.
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Donate gently used toys or books to a local shelter or Little Free Library.
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Pick up litter during a walk at the park.
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Create snack packs for delivery drivers or postal workers.
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Let your child help cook a treat to share with a neighbor.
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Practice compliment circles at dinner everyone gives one kind comment to someone else.
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Give extra hugs and “I love you's” kindness starts at home.
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Help a sibling or friend with a task without being asked.
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Color together as a family and talk about ways to be kind.
Bring the Message to Your Table with Our Be Kind Coloring Tablecloth
To make the message of kindness part of your family’s daily rhythm, we designed the Be Kind Coloring Tablecloth, a giant 3’x6’ canvas of cheerful doodles, kind quotes, and fun activities that the whole family can enjoy coloring together.
Made with premium matte paper in the USA, it’s perfect for:
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Laying across the table for mealtimes or snack breaks
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Spreading on the floor for creative playdates
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Hanging up once it’s colored as a reminder to spread joy
Whether your kids are just learning their colors or are big enough to grab the markers themselves, this tablecloth becomes a conversation piece and a memory-maker, all while reinforcing one powerful message: kindness matters.