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3 Simple Projects to Create a Culture of Compassion and Giving Back at Home

 

Imagine a world where everyone shows compassion and kindness to those around them? And what if, on top of that, everyone gave back in some way? Isn’t that a beautiful thought? As a parent, this is the world I wish for my child. While we can’t control the way other people behave, we can start improving the world right from our living rooms. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Cultivating a culture of compassion and giving back at home can be easy and fun!

Here are 3 simple projects to cultivate a culture of compassion and generosity

1.    Create Homemade Cards

Compassion is when we feel and show concern for others who are suffering. It helps us understand their pain and do things to make them feel better. This project will help your kids reach out to others, such as kids in the hospital or seniors in care homes.

What do you need?

  • Paper or card stock
  • Writing materials
  • Other craft supplies such as stickers, markers, and decals

What to do?

  1. Get your family together and your art supplies ready.
  2. Start making cards. Be creative.
  3. Write sweet and encouraging messages on your handmade cards.
  4. Mail your cards to

 

2.    Shop and Donate Food to Your Local Food Pantry

Turn giving back into a fun activity that the whole family can participate in. It won’t take too much time from your daily routines.

What to do?

  1. Reach out to your local food bank/ pantry or other organizations that provide food assistance program. Find out what food or grocery items they need.
  2. Get your children involved in making the list of the food or items you can buy to donate.
  3. Take the list with you next time you go grocery shopping. Have your children mark them off as you buy them.
  4. Donate to the food bank together.

This project is a wonderful opportunity to teach your kids the value of giving back and being part of a bigger cause. Not only that, they’ll also pick up some handy life skills while grocery shopping. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone!

 

3.    Start a Conversation About Compassion and Giving Back

Studies show that conversation is a highly valuable tool for parents to foster compassion in their children. Through meaningful conversation, you can create a positive and supportive family environment and help your children develop important values that will shape their character and behavior.

Talking about compassion and helping others can also help kids think about the world and feel responsible for making it better. They can learn to notice when others need help and do things to make a difference in their communities.

What to do?

  1. Download our free conversation starter (link to pdf below) and print on paper or cardstock.
  2. Cut along the designated cutting line and place in a jar or bowl.
  3. Let each member of the family pick out a card or two each time you use them.

Printables-Compassion and Giving Back Convo Starters 

Grow a Culture of Compassion and giving at home

A Culture of Compassion and Giving Back

Creating a culture of compassion and giving back begins within the walls of our homes. It’s a gradual process that involves teaching children the value of empathy and kindness towards others. And it is through our own conduct, our allocation of resources, the choices we make, and the moments we spend as a family, that we demonstrate these values to our children. So, let’s start small and make a difference in our own families and communities. Let’s be the change we wish to see in the world and make compassion and giving back a part of our daily lives.

If you want to receive daily inspirations for acts of giving directly in your inbox, sign up today.

Is your family doing any simple acts of kindness or helping others right now? Share with us in the comment or at 365give.ca.

 

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
“I just wanted to share that 365give really helped me. I am a better person now, thank you.”
MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)