Simple Ways to Teach Your Little Ones the Joy of Giving This November…Without the Stress!

A Parent’s Guide to Instilling Kindness

As November rolls in with its crisp air and cozy vibes, it’s the perfect time to think about giving, not just receiving. Thanksgiving is a season of gratitude, but it’s also an opportunity to teach our young children about the joy of kindness and sharing. While big gestures or expensive gifts might seem out of reach for kids ages 2-6, small, everyday acts of kindness can make a huge impact—on them and others!

I'll share practical and stress-free ways to teach your little ones about giving back this November. These small moments will not only brighten someone else's day but leave your child feeling proud and happy too.

As a parent who has worked with kids and seen the challenges of social-emotional learning, I know that even young children can grasp the importance of kindness. Here's why celebrating kindness at an early age is so essential:

1. Teaching Empathy Early

Even toddlers are learning to recognize emotions in others. When they share or comfort someone, they’re practicing empathy—a skill that will last a lifetime. It’s not just about being “nice”; it’s about learning how to connect with others emotionally.

2. Boosting Emotional Awareness

When kids do something kind—like helping clean up or drawing a picture for a family member—they feel proud. These small acts teach them to recognize the positive effects of their actions.

3. Building Social Skills

Sharing, cooperation, and kindness all help children build stronger social bonds. These skills lay the foundation for positive friendships and successful relationships later in life.

4. Instilling Gratitude

Kindness helps children appreciate what they have. When they give, they realize that we don’t always need more to feel fulfilled—we just need to share.

Simple Ways to Celebrate Kindness with Your Little Ones

Wondering how to integrate kindness into your daily routines? Here are five simple ideas to help your child experience the joy of giving this month:

1. Share Toys and Books

Young kids are still learning to share. But when you encourage them to give away a favorite toy or book, they start to see how good it feels to share. I used to say, "We share because sharing makes everyone happy!" It’s simple, but it works.

2. Help a Neighbor

Helping someone in the community—like delivering a homemade card or offering to rake leaves—can be a wonderful lesson in kindness. When my kids see me lending a hand, they’re always eager to pitch in. Kids love to help, and it’s a great way to model kindness.

3. Start a Kindness Jar

This is one of my favorite traditions. Every time  your child does something kind, write it down and add it to a jar. At the end of the month, read the notes together to see how much kindness has been shared. It reinforces the idea that small actions count!

4. Create Art for Others

Kids love to draw and make things. Why not turn that creativity into kindness by encouraging them to make a “thank you” card, a picture, or a note for a teacher, friend, or family member? It’s a fun and meaningful way to practice gratitude.

5. Help in the Kitchen

Preparing food to share with others—whether it’s baking cookies for a neighbor or making a simple meal for someone in need—lets your child experience the joy of giving in a hands-on way. They’ll love being part of the process!

Little Things Make a Big Difference

The beauty of teaching kindness at a young age is that it doesn’t require elaborate plans or grand gestures. It’s about small, everyday actions that help children understand the importance of empathy, gratitude, and generosity.

These moments, whether it’s sharing a toy, helping a neighbor, or just giving a hug, add up and shape your child into a compassionate person. Ready to start your own kindness journey?

For more ideas to nurture kindness in your child, grab our Free Random Acts of Kindness Bingo Sheet and make this November a month of giving. Together, we can raise children who see the joy in helping others—because kindness, at its core, is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

Let’s make November a month of giving, not just for ourselves but for those around us. These little acts of kindness will not only warm your heart—they’ll help raise kids who understand that kindness is one of the greatest gifts we can give.