How Demonstrating Acts Of Kindness Can Benefit Your Child
Published: February 17, 2026
The younger a child is when exposed to certain behaviors, the more influence those behaviors can have on their futures. And as a parental figure or educator, you naturally act as a role model for who they grow into. That’s why it’s important for children to learn healthy habits early on. In honor of Random Acts of Kindness week, we’re highlighting the benefits that kindness has on your mental health and how to practice kindness with children around you.
What are random acts of kindness?
The American Psychiatric Association views acts of kindness as “benevolent and helpful actions intentionally directed towards another person, motivated by the desire to help another and not to gain reward or to avoid punishment.” In other words, they are everyday simple, selfless, and sometimes unplanned things you do to help another person.
You can also find inspiration by thinking about the kinds of nice things people have done for you, like a stranger holding a door open for you or buying your coffee out of the blue.
Why practice kindness?
Ohio University conducted a study with participants experiencing elevated symptoms of depression or anxiety. They found that those who engaged in acts of kindness had reduced symptoms, lessened distress, and improved life satisfaction — showing greater mental health benefits than joining social activities or participating in brief cognitive behavioral therapy. The study concluded that acts of kindness can be more effective at improving social connection and well-being than previous therapies for depression and anxiety.
Teaching kids kindness
To best teach kindness to a child, have a conversation about what kindness is as well as practicing kindness around them. Consider sharing a story of how you received a random act of kindness, and how much it meant to you in that moment. There are also many activities you can use in your home or classroom to teach the importance of kindness:
- Books, such as The Kindness Quilt by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
- “Kindness Coupons” from the Tree House Academy
- Painted rocks, like The Kindness Rocks Project.
- Themed games and challenges from Elementary Island
Kindness starts with you
Researchers found that while a giver looked at the value of the item or action, the receiver saw greater value in the warmth of the gesture and the positive social interaction and were more likely to become givers — proving that kindness can be contagious. Even the simplest gestures can have a major impact:
- Smile at people around you
- Give a compliment to a friend or family member
- Donate unused items to local community resource centers and animal shelters
- Leave a positive hand-written note inside a library book
- Hand-pick flowers for a teacher or neighbor
In addition to teaching children kindness, it’s also important to check in on the other types of activities a child is engaging in, such as games that include simulated gambling. For more information about preventing youth gambling, visit our For Parents and For Educators pages from Change The Game Ohio.
And if you or someone you know is experiencing betting-related harms, don’t hesitate to call the free and confidential Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline. Qualified local specialists are standing by 24/7 to take your call, with no commitments involved. Call 1-800-589-9966 or text 988 to get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.