Sharing Kindness: The Simple Joys of Paying It Forward
20 Ways to Spread Compassion and Create a Ripple Effect of Goodwill
When I became pregnant with my second child shortly after moving to Australia, I was amazed by the kindness of some of my new neighbours and ‘school mum’ friends. From donating baby clothes to offering to collect my son from school when I was exhausted with a newborn, I was reminded of an important lesson: you don’t have to be close friends with someone in order to kind. They didn’t do it for a return of favour or the expectation of something from me; they did it simply to be kind.
I never had the opportunity to pay pack their kindness because after a few years, we were on the move again to a different location. However, recently I was given the opportunity to ‘pay it forward’ when a school mum friend of mine had her second child. From doing pick up duty so she didn’t have to disrupt naptime after getting no sleep the previous night to lending out my umbrella so mum and baby didn’t get wet, I didn’t hesitate to offer help because I know how much it can mean to be on the receiving end. Not to mention the fact that it felt good to help out without the expectation of getting anything in return.
In a world where kindness can sometimes seem in short supply, the concept of “paying it forward” offers a heartening reminder that small acts of generosity can have a profound impact. For parents of young children, teaching the value of paying it forward not only cultivates empathy and compassion but also fosters a sense of community and connection.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the meaning of “paying it forward” and share 20 simple yet powerful examples to inspire you and your little ones to spread joy and kindness.
Understanding “Paying It Forward”
The phrase “paying it forward” refers to the act of responding to a kind deed by offering kindness to someone else, rather than directly repaying the original benefactor. This selfless gesture creates a chain reaction of goodwill, inspiring others to continue the cycle of kindness and making the world a better place in the process.
20 Ways to Pay It Forward with Your Young Children
Bake and share: Prepare homemade cookies or cakes with your child and deliver them to neighbours, friends, or community workers as a sweet surprise.
Donate toys: Encourage your child to donate gently used toys to a local charity, hospital, or shelter, bringing joy to other children in need.
Compliment others: Teach your child the power of a genuine compliment by praising a friend, family member, or stranger for their positive qualities.
Leave encouraging notes: Create uplifting messages or drawings with your child and leave them in public places like library books, park benches, or playgrounds.
Help with chores: Offer to assist an elderly neighbour or someone with limited mobility with their household tasks, such as gardening or grocery shopping.
Create care packages: Assemble care packages for the homeless or for a local refuge centre, including essentials like toiletries and snacks, and distribute them as a family.
Create, or donate to, a neighbourhood lending library: if your local area has a ‘little free library box’, take your children’s outgrown books to donate. In the absence of a box, why not create your own (if you’re handy) or involve members of the local community to join the project?
Pick up litter: Spend time with your child cleaning up a local park or beach, promoting environmental awareness and community pride.
Share a meal: Invite a friend or neighbour who might be feeling lonely to join your family for dinner or a picnic.
Support a cause: Choose a charity or cause that resonates with your family and participate in a fundraising event or donate items.
Offer a listening ear: Encourage your child to be a supportive friend by genuinely listening to someone who needs to talk.
Donate to or suggest the creation of a ‘take one / leave one’ rail in your child’s school or nursery: pass on your child’s outgrown uniform or winter coat to a ‘take one/ leave one’ clothes rail in your child’s school. If this doesn’t exist yet, why not suggest it to the school PTA?
Make a bird feeder: Create a simple bird feeder with your child and hang it in your garden to help care for local wildlife.
Visit a care home: Arrange a visit to a local care home with your child, offering companionship and conversation to residents who may feel lonely.
Share your umbrella: On a rainy day, share your umbrella with someone caught in the downpour, teaching your child the value of helping others in need.
Surprise a sibling: Encourage your child to surprise their sibling with a small, thoughtful gesture, like making their bed or leaving a kind note.
Let someone go ahead of you: While shopping or waiting in line, allow someone else to go ahead of you and your child, demonstrating patience and consideration.
Share your skills: Offer to teach someone a skill you possess, such as cooking, art, or playing an instrument, and involve your child in the process, fostering a sense of community and the joy of sharing knowledge.
Plant a tree: Involve your child in planting a tree in your neighbourhood or a local park, teaching them the importance of caring for the environment and leaving a lasting, positive impact.
Smile and say hello: Encourage your child to greet others with a warm smile and a friendly hello, fostering a sense of connection and spreading positivity.
What would you add?
Introducing the concept of “paying it forward” to your young children is a powerful way to instil values of kindness, empathy, and community spirit. By engaging in these simple yet meaningful acts of generosity, you’ll not only brighten the lives of those around you but also teach your children invaluable life lessons that will stay with them for years to come. Together, you can create a ripple effect of goodwill, making the world a kinder, more connected place, one small act at a time.