45 Acts of Kindness To Do With Your Grandkids That Will Create Eternal Memories

Is it just me, or do people today seem less kind than they used to be? While there have always been rotten eggs here and there, you can no longer turn on the TV or log on to Facebook without reading about something that will make you lose faith in humanity. 

Were these people not taught how to be nice to others? Or are we, as a society losing our grip on the importance of respect and kindness? 

When my kids were little, I made it my mission to instill in them a kind and giving spirit, whether through how I treated them or through everyday life lessons (a la manners, respect, generosity, etc.). Now that my kids are grown, I see them trying to instill these qualities in my grandkids which I, as the grandma, reinforce whenever I am around. 

This got me thinking: Wouldn’t it be neat if all of us grandmas bonded together to help teach this next generation how to be kind? To do this, I have compiled a list of 45 ways to teach our grandchildren kindness, all of which consist of small yet mighty acts that can change the trajectory of our society (and create lasting memories): 

1. Hold the door open for someone
2. Offer to help carry someone’s groceries
3. Compliment someone on their outfit or hairstyle
4. Write a thank-you note to someone who has helped them
5. Offer to help clean up after a meal or event
6. Bring a snack or drink to a neighbor who may be feeling lonely
7. Smile and say hello to strangers they encounter
8. Share their toys or books with friends or siblings
9. Say “please” and “thank you” when asking for or receiving something
10. Make a homemade gift for someone special (DIY gift ideas here!)
11. Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog or pet sit for them
12. Donate toys or clothes they no longer need to a charity
13. Help a younger sibling or cousin with homework or a task
14. Bake cookies or make a card for a family member or friend (some recipe ideas here!)
15. Donate money or volunteer time to a local charity or organization
16. Pick up litter in their neighborhood or at a park.
17. Offer to water a neighbor’s plants or garden while they are away
18. Hold an umbrella or offer to share their coat with someone who forgot theirs on a rainy day
19. Say something nice or offer a compliment to a person who may be feeling down or sad
20. Help an elderly neighbor or family member with tasks like carrying groceries or running errands
21. Invite a new or shy classmate to sit with them at lunch or play with them during recess
22. Offer to help a friend with a school project or studying for a test
23. Leave a kind note or message for a family member or friend to find
24. Volunteer at a local shelter or community organization
25. Offer to babysit for a family member or neighbor so they can have a night out
26. Donate a toy or book to a children’s hospital or shelter
27. Help plant flowers or trees in a community garden or park
28. Offer to help a family member or friend with household chores or cleaning
29. Bring a cup of tea or coffee to a teacher or mentor as a thank-you gesture
30. Participate in a charity event or fundraiser, such as a walk-a-thon or bake sale.
31. Donate non-perishable food items to a local food bank or pantry
32. Offer to read to a younger sibling or cousin
33. Help a friend who is struggling with a task or assignment
34. Offer to shovel snow or rake leaves for a neighbor
35. Write a letter or make a card for a military service member or first responder
36. Collect and donate gently used books to a library or school
37. Offer to pick up groceries or run errands for an elderly neighbor or family member
38. Help a friend or family member move by packing or unpacking boxes
39. Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog or play with their pet (you can even make money doing this!)
40. Visit a nursing home or retirement community to spend time with residents
41. Offer to teach a younger sibling or cousin a new skill, like riding a bike or tying their shoes
42. Pay for a stranger’s coffee or meal in line behind them (this is one for when they are a bit older!)
43. Write a positive message or draw a picture with sidewalk chalk for neighbors to see
44. Offer to clean up a public area like a park or playground
45. Volunteer at a local animal shelter or rescue organization.

Just think: Our grandkids can go out and teach others the power of kindness through their actions alone and, together, can make the world a gentler place! I thank you in advance, my fellow Devoted Grandma, for teaching your grandkids how to be a bright spot in an often dark world.

Can you think of other simple acts of kindness we can teach our grandkids? Please let me know. As always, let’s talk again soon.