Simple kindness themed activities for children. There are many simple ways children can make a difference in the world! Kindness makes the world go round. Some links on this site are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Click on the images and blue text to be taken to links. Thank you! Learn more. This week’s Virtual Book Club for Kids pick was The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney. In this beautifully illustrated version of the classic tale, a lion first shows kindness by sparing a mouse’s life. Later on, the mouse saves the lion’s life. The book is a wonderful way to start conversations on the importance of kindness. In our family, we used it as a starting point for talking about simple ways to make a difference in the lives of people around us. Teaching Kindness: 5 Simple Ways Children Can Make a Difference#1 Smile at PeopleToo many people go through their days with too few smiles. Teach children to smile at people and say hi. Honestly, my kids are shy and this is a big work in progress for us, but they are learning. #2 Include EveryoneWhile there are several reasons that my kids get along so well, this family rule helps a lot. I am also trying to teach them to do this at school with classmates. As I already mentioned in #1, my children tend to be shy and fairly introverted, and so this can be hard for them. At the same time, our move from Massachusetts to California means that they understand what it’s like to be the new kid. #3 Be a ListenerSometimes the best thing you can do for someone is to be there and listen. I try to model that with my children, but this is something I am still very much working on. Actually, I’m still very much working on everything on this list! #4 See PeoplePeople communicate through actions and expressions as much as they do through words. I try to teach my kids to truly see the people around them – by truly paying attention to their actions, words, expressions, and body language. How do you teach this? Here are a few things we have done:- Verbally talk to a child about how I think they are feeling based on what I observe – and then ask for confirmation and, if needed, correction. - Get a copy of The Social Skills Picture Book and make it available. It was designed for children with autism, but there is still plenty there for a neurotypical child to learn.- When my children tell me stories of other children making bad choices, we stop and talk about why the child might have made that choice. We look at the other child’s point of view, as well as other factors that may have pushed the child to act in a particular way. #5 Do Small Things to Show You CareThere are so many easy ways children can show someone that they care about them. Here are a few to get you started:- Mail a picture or letter. - Make a simple gift. - Give a hug to someone you love. - Look for ways to be a helper. Hold open a door, or pick up a toy that a baby drops. Offer to read a story to a younger child. - Tell someone something specific that you like about them. What are your favorite ways for children to make a difference?Share comments and feedback below, on my Facebook page, or by tagging me on Instagram. Sign up for my newsletter to receive book recommendations, crafts, activities, and parenting tips in your inbox every week.