Random Act of Kindness- Year End Review

I started writing about Random Acts of Kindness after a conversation with several Mommy friends regarding teaching kindness to our children. My goal was to give inspiration, purpose and ideas on how to teach kindness to our children without being too preachy, especially in a world that has turned so negative.

What is Random Act of Kindness?
When I started these posts I didn't know there was a huge organization and curriculum that supported my direction. I basically gleaned ideas from my own experiences, some outstanding Mommy Blogs, and the Random Act of Kindness Foundation.

When we go beyond our daily existence and model to our children how to help and reach out to others we are performing Random Act of Kindness. Kindness and empathy are closely related: kindness is the observable expression of empathy. We sense  another person's needs, we understand how it feels to be needed and we decide to offer our help. When we are kind, we express the best in our humanity. Our children are the future of humanity.

All acts of kindness- planned or unplanned- are valuable and beneficial. We had a great example of this when we started to go to the Farmer's Market. There were many learning opportunities at the Farmer's Market to kindness. Children must learn to kindness through acts and modeling from their parents. It is the only way they can internalize this important value.

Reflection:

1. is important in helping us understand the wider meaning of our actions and commitments.
2. will enhance the sense of cohesion in your family life, classroom, and community.
3. is a vital tool in helping students link their kindness activities in meaningful ways with the community and world around them
4. showing Random Acts of Kindness isn't a week long activity but a life long activity.

Continue to show Random Acts of Kindness.....

Have a great summer!

Bless Bless

Random Act of Kindness- Awesome Example

I love how so many parents and educators put their creative hats on to develop awesome and fun ways to encourage and teach Randoms Act of Kindness to our children. 

I would like to share this wonderful blog spot by:

Collaboration, Creativity, Caring & Community

If I could figure out how to add their button to this site I would, but instead enjoy it from here. 

Kindness, Generosity + Emotional Intelligence. This title caught my eye. Emotional Intelligence?? 

Teaching kindness builds our children's, and also within ourselves, an emotional intelligence. There are many esoteric reasons why this works but I am a practical Viking Mommy. I want to see it in actions.

 

So, please follow the link to Kindness, Generosity+Emotional Intelligence and see examples on how teachers and parents are encouraging Random Acts of Kindness. 

I love the idea that Pre-Schoolers and Kindergartens believe that showing kindness means DOING the act with a friend. Why does it have to stop? Can we continue that act with our friends?

I think I am going to start my own Kindness Wreath. 

Random Act of Kindness- Compassion and Humor

As many of you know I have spent my career working with teen age students on the Autism Spectrum. It has been one of the highlights of my career and something I can be proud of as I look back on my career.

 It has also been a goal of mine to have a forum for parents and teachers to find resources and inspiration to teach Random Acts of Kindness. Sometimes, a short story from Facebook is all we need to see examples of  humor and compassion from each other. 

This story has been passed around the Facebook and other Social Medias. It is such a beautiful story of compassion, understanding, respect and humor that I had to share it with all of you. Kudos to Chili's and their management!


"I want to share the experience that my husband, 7 year old autistic sister and I had today at the Chili’s location in Midvale, UT. Arianna, my little sister, didn’t waste any time when our waitress, Lauren, greeted us at our table. Arianna promptly ordered her cheeseburger with pickles, french fries, and chocolate milk before Lauren could even take our drink order. Lauren smiled and told Arianna, “Okay! I’ll be right back with your chocolate milk!”. When we got our food I was wondering why Arianna wouldn’t touch her cheeseburger, but was going to town on her french fries. I asked her, “Arianna are you going to eat your cheeseburger?” She calmly said, “No, I don’t want it.” Cheeseburgers, or ‘Krabby Patties’ as we sometimes call them, are her FAVORITE! So this behavior was VERY strange. So I asked her, “Why don’t you want it?”. She replied, “It’s broken. I need another one thats fixed.” Then it dawned on me why she wasn’t eating it. It’s because it was cut in half. Being a child with autism, she has to have certain things in a particular order at all times. One slight change in her routine can change the course of the day instantly. When Lauren came back to check on us, I asked if we could order another cheeseburger and just add it to our check. She had a concerned look on her face so I explained that Arianna has autism, and that in her mind, because the cheeseburger was cut in half, she thinks its broken and can’t eat it. I told Lauren I knew it sounded silly, but if we could just order an additional one we will gladly pay for it because there was nothing wrong with the one that was originally brought out. Lauren was so sweet and just smiled and went along with Arianna, telling her “I brought you a broken cheeseburger?! You know what, I’ll have them cook you a new one!” I loved this because rather than just taking it from the table, she actually TOLD Arianna what she was doing. While this seems insignificant, by her telling Arianna what she was doing, we avoided a melt down. The manager, Bradley Cottermole, then came to our table, kneeled down, and said to Arianna, “I heard we gave you a broken cheeseburger! I am so sorry about that! We are making you a brand new one that isn’t broken, with pickles! I’ll bring you some french fries to munch on while you’re waiting, ok?” A couple of minutes later, Lauren arrived back at our table with cheeseburger #2. Arianna said, “OH FANK YOU! You fixded my cheeseburger!” When Lauren walked away, Arianna just sat there for a second and looked at her new burger. She looked like so deep in thought....just staring at it....then she let out a big ”OH I missed you!!” and started kissing the burger over and over again. I showed Lauren this picture and said, “I think we glorified the cheeseburger too much!” She busted up laughing, and asked if she could go show her manager. She came back a minute later and said she showed everyone in the back kitchen area too, and that it made them all laugh and smile. I was so touched by this experience. Especially since I know people who have been asked to leave restaurants when their child with autism is being disruptive. I expected a few different things with this scenario based on past experiences, but I did NOT expect such kind and compassionate mannerisms from Lauren and Bradley. Everyone, from the hostess to the chef, played a role in what most people would think isn’t a big deal. But this entirely shaped how the rest of our day would go. I know...a cheeseburger cut in half literally could make or break our day. In this case thanks to the professionalism of the crew in Midvale, it made our day. And I’m sure Arianna brightened up at least one of the employees days with her silly little personality. Thank you."

Random Act of Kindness-Quote

A kind word is like a Spring day. 

 ~Russian Proverb

Random Act of Kindness-Pettiness

One of the goals of the Random Act of Kindness blog post is to give Parental Units tools and ideas on how to teach, guide, imitate, inspire and show kindness. It also helps this Viking Mom develop tools, too.

An area this Viking Mom really struggles with is dealing with pettiness. I have little patients with narrow minded people.

The Webster Dictionary defines "pettiness" as: 1. being small or minor and of no importance. 2. narrow minded or unsympathetic. 

I am going to speak about the second definition. This world is full of narrow minded and unsympathetic people. We see it in the media and how we interact with each other. It is really easy to fall into the same pit fall of pettiness and retaliate with harsh words. However, what is the message we are sending to our own children who watch our every move? Harsh words only adds to the ill feeling we create in any social setting.

How does one illustrate to children why harsh words are so dangerous?
Here is a physical metaphor to use:

TOOTH PASTE AND WORDS... A teaching lesson

Get a small travel size toothpaste. A large one will work too. 

Ask your child if they thinks they can squeeze the entire tube of paste out... and then put it back into the tube? 
No one will think they can...Proceed to squeeze the entire tube onto a paper plate and show how it cannot be put back in.

Compare it to our words and how  we treat one another.  Your kids will get the visual of how once we say unkind words... we can't take them back.  We can apologize but it's still out there and has hurt our friends. 

This is a wonderful visual; refer back to it throughout the year.

Bless Bless

Viking Mom

Random Act of Kindness Tuesdays- Write a Note

Recently, I have had several occasions to discuss the validity of teaching cursive handwriting to children. Many feel that its not important to teach cursive handwriting any more due to our technological dependency. Why write a note when one can use email?

But, emails, instant messaging, texting et al take out a personal touch when communicating with people. I found the simple exchange of giving cash for my purchases at the Farmer's Market gave a magical touch to the transaction. 

My Random Act of Kindness Challenge. Hand write a note to someone to show appreciation or gratitude. 

Ideas:  

	Write a note of appreciation to your mailman, paperboy, garbage man et al.
	Write a thank you note to someone
	Send handmade cards or a letter to someone you care for

Random Act of Kindness-Cards

We have been taking Blessing Bags with us to the Farmer's Market on Sunday. I have written about it here.

At first we didn't add any cards or notices inside the bags. I was a bit nervous about any identifying notes that could be used negatively. Then I found these adorable Random Act of Kindness Cards that encourage others to Pay it Forward.

We have been using these cards in the Blessing Bags.

I encourage others to use them too.

Bless Bless

Viking Mom

Random Act of Kindness Tuesday-Blessing Bags

Blessing Bags- I wish I could take credit for this idea. Mamas on a Dime blog has their own Random Act of Kindness challenge. You can read about them here.

One of the Mamas found on Pintrest Blessing Bags. I thought this was a brilliant idea. Over the holiday season the Viking Kiddos learned about various Saints who were inspirations for giving and charity. You can re-read the post here.

The Blessing Bags are perfect to have on hand to give to someone who is in need; specially the homeless.

This is how to make one:

Gallon size Ziplock bags

Items to go in the bags, such as:

• chap stick
• packages of tissues (Kleenex)
• toothbrush and toothpaste
• comb
• soap
• trail mix
• granola bars
• crackers
• pack of gum
• band aids
• mouthwash
• coins (could be used to make a phone call, or purchase a food item)
• hand wipes
•  warm pair of socks
• gift cards for food like McDonalds or Starbucks. 
• A note of encouragement/blessings
• An envelope with stamp and a few sheets of paper for a letter home.

Assemble all the items in the bags. Seal the bags and keep in your car for the moment you need them.

At any store there is always a bin with travel size items that are not very expensive which are the perfect size for this Blessing Bags.

Random Act of Kindness Challenge--- Are you brave enough to make your own Blessing Bags and hand them out in your community?

Bless Bless

Viking Mom

Random Act of Kindness-ARK

Sometimes the written word can not express enough how one feels during times like America is feeling right now.

My Random of Act of Kindness Challenge this week is to find your own ARK.

Random Act of Kindness- "Doing the Most Good."

Tuesday has gone much better then Manic Monday.

This season we decided as a family to really focus on "Giving" and "Charity."  The Viking Kiddos this year have been exposed to the negative effects of materialistic, self centered, and greed this year. These are not the qualities we want to teach or be present in our home.

A beautiful opportunity and teaching moment occurred when Viking Lady Bug spotted one of the Salvation Army bell ringers.

She asked the bell ringer if she was in the "Army." The kind bell ringer gently explain to her she was part of the Salvation Army and that she was ringing the bell to ask people to donate to their red kettle. 

Of course Viking Lady Bug asked, "Why?" 

A perfect teaching moment started about Giving and Charity. Viking Lady Bug had some of her allowance in her pocket. Inspired, she decided to give her money to the red kettle. I couldn't be prouder. She had been saving her allowance for some hot chocolate at our favorite coffee shop. 

Ironically, that same week one of the radio station hosts started featuring stories on his show about what the Salvation Army really does. To be honest; I only knew them for their resale store ( I am a huge Goodwell Industry supporter because of their work training program for the disabled), and seasonal bell ringers. I had a vague understanding of their history as a Christian church. I was surprised at how many services they quietly provide to the community and to our Services Men and Women. 

Check them out here or in your local area.

I love their motto. "Doing the Most Good." Simple and Direct....

Here is my Tuesday Random of Act of Kindness Challenge- "Do the Most Good." 

Do the Most Good in some capacity this year. 

This year Viking Dad and I are supporting our goofy local radio station host in his Red Kettle Donations. He has a gentle competition with his co-host on how much money they can raise. All proceeds go directly to the Salvation Army. 

You can donate by going here.....

Random Act of Kindness Tuesday- Giving Thanks

November is traditionally the month we give thanks for what we have in our lives. It is also the perfect month to really act upon those Random Acts of Kindness. 

This year the Viking Kiddos and I created a list of ideas we can share with the community and with you.

Please show Thanks by:

10. Thank a Volunteer- 
       - Thank the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts for their civic and community projects.
       - Thank that hard working Parent Volunteer in your child's classroom. 

9. Gather up flat or unused tennis balls and give them to current and new four legged furry friends. ~ idea courtesy of The View From Here.

8. Deliver Thanksgiving inspired treats to a favorite person, co-worker, favorite barista, teacher, etc.

7.  Pick up trash around the neighborhood. Have the Kiddos join in on this project.

6. Thank a First Responder or a teacher. I have bought several officers a cup of coffee over the years as a way of saying, "Thank You." 

5. Donate books t a children's library, school library, children's hospital, day care, or a family with younger children. 

4. Donate something handmade to a favorite charity. 
    - Knitted scarves, hats or gloves
    - Donate gently used jackets, hats or shoes to a shelter

3. Clothing donations to the Goodwill, AmVets or Salvation Army. I recommend these three for a couple of reasons. 1. The items actually go to the needy. 2. Each one of these companies train people in job skills especially the disabled. 

2. Complement someone or say, "Hi." Find out why here.  Or say, "Thank you." Find out why,  here.

1. Donate a meal for Thanksgiving and the Holidays. 

Random Act of Kindness Tuesday- The Elections

Don't forget to vote!!

Kindness should be a bipartisan and universal 

vote of YES!!

Remember, we model how we treat each other to our children. Even, if you fundamentally disagree with a person on a candidate, Proposition, or belief show respect and kindness to each other.

 Our actions speak louder then words.

Random Act of Kindness Tuesday-Why teach kindness?

This month is Bullying Prevention Month. Over the course of the month I have been emphasizing friendship and kindness to my students as tools to preventing bullying. 

It is incredibly difficult to teach these skills to students when our current political atmosphere, especially here in San Diego County is exhibiting the complete opposite of kindness and friendship. 

A parent asked the other day, "Viking Mom, whats the point of teaching kindness when our society is so unkind?" 

Yes, what is the point? 

There is a point and it should be encouraged and here is why.


KINDNESS INCLUDES EVERYONE. Kindness crosses all those distinctions that we sometimes place among ourselves — distinctions of race, religion, culture, gender, age. Students learn that kindness is a language that everyone understands. Through kindness, we celebrate diversity.

KINDNESS IMPROVES STUDENTS’ SELF-ESTEEM AND THE SCHOOL CLIMATE. Whether academically proficient or not, students are given a way to excel through kindness, and excel they do. One teacher said that a few students who appeared to be headed down destructive paths were turned around due to the increased self-esteem and positive involvement that the school’s kindness program offered 
them. Other teachers have said that students are more willing to participate in class when they know that ridicule of their answers will not be tolerated. Thus, the learning environment is enhanced.

KINDNESS IS EMPOWERING. Kindness is one of the most powerful interpersonal tools that we, as human beings, use to connect with one another. When we sense someone’s need, we either choose to help in some way… or we choose not to. If we act from empathy, we will offer kindness, and in that moment a surprising, gracious, humanitarian connection is made. This is the positive power that each of us — including children — possesses. During difficult times, kindness propels students into action and gives them power when they feel powerless. They can do something to improve the world. You will find examples of students’ responses to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, in this guide under “Response to Tragedy.”

KINDNESS HELPS STUDENTS CONNECT ACTIONS WITH CONSEQUENCES. Students are almost always positively reinforced when they are kind to others. They see the grhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/10/19/tech/social-media/messages-for-malala/index.html?iid=article_sidebaratitude of the recipient; they hear the “thank you.” They know that they made a difference.

KINDNESS IS A VITAL, LIFELONG, INTERPERSONAL SKILL. Students will use kindness daily in their relationships at home, at work, and in the community. Kindness is an awareness that each of us develops with practice and over time. Through the kindness we give and receive, we 
begin to understand that we are intrinsically connected to those around us. We realize that we are part of a human community, in which giving and receiving kindness are vital to our health, harmony, and hope.
 Our children deserve to learn and experience this life skill of kindness… and so do we all. Let kindness flow!

— Your friends at The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

There are times when I wonder if I am fighting a loosing battle. Then I read about Malala Yousufzai. This courageous Pakistani young lady was shot along with two of her friends for wanting to learn. The international out pouring of concern and support is inspiring. There is still kindness around the world. 

I think when Hope stayed behind after Pandora's Box was opened Kindness was lurking in the shadows.

Random of Kindness Tuesday-Inspirational Quote

When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.

The 14th Dalai Lama (1935)
Head Monk Of The Gelugpa Lineage Of Tibetan Buddhism

Random Act of Kindness-Bullying

October is Bullying Prevention Month. 

There are many ways to prevent bullying. However, once someone is bullied the emotional toll they experience can be devastating. A random act of kindness can mean the world to someone who has experienced bullying. 

Share your acts of kindness!

Here are some ideas:

- send a supportive text or Facebook message to a friend who's been bullied

- sit with someone at lunch who is usually left out

- volunteer at a community centre or charity

- holding open a door for someone

The smallest acts of kindness and support can make the biggest difference in a person's life - especially if they've been bullied and are feeling down. Lets spread our message of kindness, respect and generosity.

Random Act of Kindness will also stop bullying. 

Random Act of Kindness Tuesday- Pick up trash

Random Act of Kindness Tuesdays was originally inspired by a conversation a friend of mine and I had a couple of years ago. We were horrified by an incident we had witnessed. 

Children model their behaviors from the adults around them and the adults behavior and temperaments.

Modeling the habit of throwing your trash away and picking up lose trash will encourage your child to pick up trash. 

Why pick up trash?

Picking up trash helps keep your neighborhoods, schools, parks, beaches, playgrounds, etc. clean and healthy. You will show your child that you  appreciate your surroundings more which will lead in having your child showing that same appreciation.

Keep It Simple

Always keep an extra bag to act as a trash bag where ever you go. You can keep it in your car, backpack or purse. Use this bag not only for your own trash, but also for other trash you might see lying around!

Show Community Support

Every community has some kind of community clean up. The state of California has a "Adopt a Highway" clean up program. San Diego County has Beach Clean Up. 

Or organize a group of people to go out and keep a specific area clean. Help with a beach clean up, or be a part of a relief team working to clean up after a natural disaster. Once a month commit to going to a local park or picnic area and picking up after others who may have left trash behind. You can also do this on the side of a road, or even on your neighborhood streets. And don't stop at just picking up garbage! Separate out the trash that can be recycled.

Random Act of Kindness Challenge: Go out and pick up some trash in your community. Encourage your Viking Wee Ones to join you.

Random Act of Kindness-School Donations

The new school year starts on Tuesday, September 4th. Many schools in California are once again struggling financially and to add to the stress waiting for the elusive state budget to be passed. In addition the Governor has asked that the residents of California to agree to tax increase to help fund the schools. UG!!!

As a result many teachers are cutting back on school supplies and asking parents to help with donations. All three of the Viking Children have already received "Wish Lists."

This weeks Random Act of Kindness

Donate school supplies to a classroom

or 

Donate supplies for the teachers. Teachers also need supplies.

or

Ask the teacher if there is a special request for supplies.

 Two of the Viking Children are gluten free and require expensive alternatives to traditional school supplies. 

From this teacher it is always appreciated when parents donate items. 

Bless Bles