14 Random Acts of Kindness: Ways Families Can Spread Love

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When did you last experience a random act of kindness? 

Was it when your friend dropped off coffee after you had a rough day? 

Or when your boss wrote that thoughtful note about how you nailed the presentation?

Or maybe it was when your parents offered to watch the kids for an hour while you took a nap. 

Whatever it was, remember that feeling? The way that small act brightened the outlook of what you thought was a dark, miserable day?

Wouldn’t it be cool to pay that feeling forward? 

We totally can! And it doesn’t take much. The smallest actions have long-lasting effects.

When is Random Acts of Kindness Day?

Random Acts of Kindness Day (RAOK) is February 17, 2022, and Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 13-19, 2022. 

But we all know we shouldn’t limit acts of kindness to one day or one week.

14 Family-Friendly Random Acts of Kindness

So as you read through these creative ways to show kindness, brainstorm how you can practice them on RAOK day and all year long.

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1. Notice and Greet Others

We’re often so lost in our thoughts, we forget the world around us. Instead, notice the person walking by, ringing up our purchases at the store, or checking us in for our appointment.

Greet others with a friendly smile, wave, or “good morning.” It takes a second, but will likely brighten their day for much longer than that.

2. Be Kind by Being Green

There are a lot of ways we can be kind to Mother Earth. One opportunity is right outside our front door. 

Take a walk around your neighborhood and bring a bag or a trash grabber along. Pick up litter you see along your walk, making the area cleaner for your neighbors, the planet, and yourself.

3. Look for the Good and Call it Out

While interacting with others (be it online or in-person), we often notice what we don’t like. What we disapprove of, are jealous of, or annoyed with. Instead, look for the good. 

Congratulate a friend on her accomplishment. Compliment a sibling on his latest purchase. Thank a loved one for listening. These little acts build confidence in others and gratitude in ourselves.

4. Pay Someone’s Tab

Don’t worry, this doesn’t have to cost a lot. The next time you’re in line at the drive-thru, offer to pay for the person behind you. When I’ve done this, the most it’s cost me is $15.

This random act of kindness is one of my favorites because I often see it continue from one car to the next as others get inspired to pay it forward.

5. Spread Love to Those Who Miss It

Let’s talk about our friends who lost someone close to them. Those who don’t get to experience the kindness of their loved ones anymore? While we can’t bring that back, we can still send love their way. 

Surprise them by having sweet treats, special notes or flowers delivered. It’s a small act, but it’s an act they don’t experience as often.

6. Say it With the Written Word

The act of writing (or typing) a letter grants us time to reflect on how special the person who we’re writing about is. 

We can leave a note in person or send it via mail, text, or email. Or try this craft for your love notes. Writing your thoughts and feelings allows the receiver to read it as often as they want, spreading love many times over.

7. Lend an Ear

Think about how fulfilling it is when someone actively listens, uninterrupted. If we set an intention to truly listen, we can give that gift to others. 

This can happen spontaneously, like the next time your child shares her feelings. Or, you can plan it. Call or meet up with a friend or family member and invite them to talk. And as they share, lovingly listen without interrupting.

8. Perform Random Acts of Service

Know any new parents, or someone who’s sick or caring for a loved one who is sick, or someone who is grieving? During these stages of life, we desperately need extra help around the house. 

Offer to clean the house or cook dinner. If you can’t come over (like during a pandemic), have a meal delivered. Pay for a cleaning service. Or gift tools to make their life easier: like a robot vacuum. 

9. Thank the Essential Workers

During this pandemic, we’ve witnessed how essential our essential workers truly are. Let’s show them how much their service means to us.

These random acts of kindness can range from being respectful and caring when interacting with our essential workers, to writing or drawing thank you notes. Or putting together care packages and making donations.

10. Let the Kids Decide

How stoked would our kids be if they could choose what to do—whether it’s for a half-hour or a full day?

Give kids a “kids choice” time. They can choose the game to play, the food to eat, and what our role is within their schedule. Obviously, we can set up a few rules ahead of time to keep some semblance of order, but then, put the phone down and give them your full attention.

11. Give a Voice to Those Who Don’t Have One

We can perform random acts of kindness to the animal kingdom, too!

Play a new game with your cat. Teach your dog a new trick. Make a donation to a nonprofit organization or animal sanctuary. Or, consider going vegan or plant-based for 1 day. Did you know going vegan for 1 month saves 30 animals? So if you’re vegan for 1 day, you spared 1 animal’s life!

12. Tell Your Family You Love Them

This seems obvious, doesn’t it? We say, “Bye, I love you!” probably several times a day. But how often do we pause, look them in the eye, and let the meaning behind those words sink in?

Spread love throughout your home by hugging the ones you love most. Tell them you love them and why. Hold them a little longer than usual. Make sure they know how special they are to you.

13. Check out the Random Acts of Kindness Calendar

Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17 this year. And Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 13-19. If you haven’t already, check out the run resources for the family on RandomActsofKindness.org. I especially like the calendar. 

The calendar spans every month, not just February. Each day features an act of kindness, so you’ll have ways to spread love all year long. 

14. Be Kind to Yourself

Wait. What? Seriously? Isn’t this post supposed to be about spreading love and kindness to others? You betcha! But, how can we give to others what we don’t possess ourselves? 

Find a moment to practice mindfulness, or take a mindful walk. Take 10 minutes to exercise and burn off any negative vibes. Write in your journal, paint, garden—whatever it is, take a few minutes to be kind to yourself.

Final Thoughts: Do I Really Have Time for This?

Imagine the exhaustion that comes from working a double shift. And before you leave, a child passes you a drawing with a heart that says, “Thank you!”

Imagine you’re a kid, squealing with delight when your mom says you get to choose what to do today. You decide to make your parents the kids and you get to be the parent and boss them around for a change! 😉

Imagine feeling lonely, and too tired to cook and the doorbell rings. You find a warm meal, fresh flowers, and a sweet note from a friend on your porch.

We can create those warm and fuzzy feelings. We have the opportunity to spread love and kindness with our actions.

Are we busy? Of course. But do we have a few minutes to spare to say something kind, write something heartfelt or do something to change someone’s day? Probably. 

And would sacrificing those few minutes be worth it? Without a doubt. 

Happy Random Acts of Kindness Day (and Week) friends. May we spread love and kindness today and all year long.

What’s a random act of kindness someone has done for you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! 🔽

~Chelsea 💗☮