Of all the skills parents want to instill in children, perhaps kindness is the most important. This means being kind to fellow children as well as the adults in their lives. It's not always easy for kids, but kindness is contagious, and once it starts it can spread in a wonderful way.
Random Acts of Kindness Day is Feb. 17, and the days leading up present a wonderful opportunity to encourage your children to be kind, particularly to the teachers that care for them each and every day. Here are some ideas for helping kids show appreciation for their teachers in honor of all they do.
Teacher photo: Let your child get creative in making a special art project just for his or her teacher. Pull up the teacher's picture on the computer and let them interpret the image as they desire on the page. It's so much fun to see the result and your child will be so proud to gift it to their teachers the next day.
Teachers' lounge gift basket: Show all the staff some love by taking your child shopping to create a bountiful gift basket full of break-room goodies. From bottled water, coffee and tea to yummy treats like chocolate and nuts, this is sure to be a hit with everyone who needs a 5-minute break.
Bathroom basket: Another fun basket option is to stock a container full of goodies for the restroom. Include fancy soaps, hand lotion, hand sanitizer and other useful toiletry items such as hair spray. You'll make the restroom a little more useful and comfortable, and certainly show you care.
Surprise coffee: Swing by your local coffee house and pick up a few extra cups to pass out to the teachers, teacher-aids and director at school. Don't forget the often-forgotten extras such as the librarian and cafeteria worker. Bring your child so they can see how this instantly brightens their teachers' morning and inspires smiles.
Donate books: Classrooms can always use more books, especially for preschoolers who can be a little rough on supplies. Take your child to the bookstore to go through the selections and buy a collection of books to donate to the teacher so the class can enjoy.
Thank you: Your child may be too young to write, but you can help them dictate a sweet message of gratitude in a thank-you card. Then have them try their best to spell their name at the end of the card. Give to the teacher tomorrow along with a bagel, donut or other treat for breakfast.
These ideas will all help your child show kindness to the people who care for them daily. If you want more ideas, simply ask your kid! They may have some great insight on what the teachers would like, and it might be the most unique idea of them all.
Random Acts of Kindness Day is Feb. 17, and the days leading up present a wonderful opportunity to encourage your children to be kind, particularly to the teachers that care for them each and every day.