Kindness doesn't have to be complicated. A compliment, a helping hand, a little patience, or simply taking the time to notice someone can make a big difference. That's the idea behind Be Kind to Humankind Week, celebrated August 25–31 each year.
Founded in 1988 by Lorraine Jara, Be Kind to Humankind Week encourages people to pause, think about how their actions affect others, and look for opportunities to make the world a little kinder.
The best part? You don't need a big plan or a lot of time to participate. The week gives families a different kindness theme for each day, making it easy to get the kids involved and turn small acts of kindness into a family tradition.
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7 Days of Kindness
August 25: Touch-A-Heart Tuesday
Make someone's day a little brighter. Give a genuine compliment, send a cheerful note to a friend or family member, or let someone know you're glad they're in your life.
August 26: Willing-to-Lend-a-Hand Wednesday
Look for someone who could use a little help. Help a neighbor, carry something for someone, offer to walk the dog, or pitch in with a chore without being asked.
August 27: Thoughtful Thursday
Put yourself in someone else's shoes. Hold the door, let someone go ahead of you in line, check in on a friend, or simply take a moment to think about what someone else might need.
August 28: Forgive-Your-Foe Friday
This one can be a little tougher! Think about a disagreement or grudge you're ready to let go of. Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting, it can mean choosing to move forward with a little more understanding.
August 29: Speak Nice Words Saturday
Words have power! Encourage your kids to notice the good in others, offer compliments, say "thank you," and think twice before saying something unkind. A few positive words can go a long way.
August 30: Sacrifice Our Wants for Others' Needs Sunday
Look for a way to put someone else's needs ahead of your own. Donate something your family no longer needs, share with someone who could use it, or spend your time helping someone else.
August 31: Motorist Consideration Monday
Practice patience and courtesy while you're on the road. Let someone merge, give pedestrians plenty of space, or simply take a deep breath when traffic isn't cooperating. Kids can join in by looking for ways to be considerate passengers, too.
Keep the Kindness Going
One week of kindness is a great start, but the real goal is to make kindness part of everyday family life. Challenge your kids to look for one small way to help someone each day. You might be surprised by how quickly those little acts add up.
And remember, kindness doesn't have to be grand to matter. Sometimes a smile, a "thank you," or a helping hand is all it takes to make someone's day a little better.
Ready, set, be kind!
For more information about Be Kind to Humankind Week click HERE.
