Kids and Kindness

“In a world where you can be anything- Be Kind.”  This is something that I want my kids to take on.  In a world where so often it’s about “me” and what “I” can get, I want them to be kind.   October was National Bullying Prevention  Awareness Month so I decided what better time than to talk about kindness and stepping out to be someone’s friend even when it’s not ‘cool.’

We created “Kindness Books” and every evening, after dinner we’d sit down and talk about something kind that they did or something kind that was done towards them. Initially, it took some prodding and questions to help them figure out if they could name something kind they did.  The kids are 6 and 3 so they are at the ages where they’ve learned to share and be respectful.  Often, because it’s second nature they don’t realize they were being kind, it was just part of how you’re supposed to act as far as they were concerned.  Little Mr. H would (who is 3) would say “Mommy, I didn’t do anything!” which had him a little upset after realizing this.  I mentioned that he was helping his grandma make biscuits when I came to pick him up and that I thought it was kind of him to be helpful.  Suddenly, he lit up and says “Yeah! It was! I was helping!”

Good Conversations

By the start of the second week, they were so excited about doing this that they’d start the conversation when I picked them up in the afternoon.  Little Miss B would get in the care and say “Mommy, are we going to talk about being kind? Because I have some things I want to tell you!” It wasn’t just about saying what she did for someone it was also about talking about a classmate that held a door open or letting her hold a show and tell toy they brought.  It allowed both of them to recognize that they do good things and see those good things are done for them.

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Doing the Kindness Books not only allowed them to be more conscious of being kind but showed them how often someone does something kind towards them and how that made them feel. It also opened the door for conversation.  Often, I pick them up and ask how the day was and get “it was good” or “ok” so it was nice to talk about events that happened during the day.

Ideas for Acts of Kindness

This next month we’ll be doing “Gracious Books” to talk about things that we are thankful for and how important it is to be thankful.

Is there anything you do with your kids to help promote kindness?

More Post on Kindness-

Teaching Kindness In An Entitled World

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Adorable Aprons

Disclosure: This post includes some Affiliate Links.  This means that if you decide to try one of them I may receive a small comission at no additional cost to you. I only link products that I truly like and feel are worth while.

Cooking has always been a big thing in my family  but during the fall especially I can remember cooking together with both my mom and other relatives in the kitchen.  My mom is an incredible cook and can cook anything.  My dad is the family grill master, and while that is sort of his solo gig we did get to help with sides.

I’ve always liked aprons, and it was always fun when we had “pretty” ones around to play in.  I was recently looking for some aprons for my own kids now and it was difficult to find anything for a little boy.  I came across Flirty Aprons though and they have a great selection of kids aprons as well as alot of choices for women’s aprons and even mens!

Women’s Aprons

Men’s Aprons

Kids Aprons

The great thing about aprons is that they can be used for cooking or for crafts.  My favorite kids apron is- 

Check out the Flirty Aprons  site and share your favorite design!

Cooking With Kidstir

*This post includes Affiliate Links. This means if you choose to use the good or service I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Cooking with kids is a great way to not only bond, but also to teach them valuable skills.  From how to select ingredients, to making healthy eating choices, learning how to measure and more- there are a ton of benefits.  My kids LOVE to help out with cooking in the kitchen. I got the chance to try out Kidstir, a monthly subscription box for free, and I couldn’t have been happier with it.

The first box was a “Sandwich” box which had some great ideas for wraps and sandwiches that can be made for lunches.  The great thing about having your child help with making their sandwich is sometimes (I know, I know, not all the time) it can make them more open to trying something a little different.

Inside the box are the recipes as well as some utensils that are kid-friendly.  This box had an orange sandwich spreader and a ‘puzzle’ cut out.  There were also stickers that were for the sub shop sandwichs.

What’s Inside

The recipes are easy to follow and the directions are very clear, which makes it easy for kids to follow.

My son isn’t a big fan of sandwiches but in helping me make the sandwich spread he was willing to try it.  While he did say he liked it, he only took 3 bites (which isn’t totally unusual for a 3-year-old).

The Kidstir box got a thumbs up from both me and the kids.  We can’t wait to do it again.  Not only is it something I subscribe to but something that I’m considering giving as a gift for my nieces and nephew.

Do you cook with your kids?

10 Creative Ways To Make A Sandwich- From Kidstir

Kids Make a Sandwich-Kidsstir

Want more resources on cooking with kids? Check these out!

Kids Health from Nemours provides some great direction on kids of all ages and how you can get them involved in the kitchen.

PBS Food and Fitness  share guidelines to help make cooking fun.