It has been some time since we have posted to our blog, life happens = )
We are going to start off with kindness on our first post back!
Last year we participated in the International Random Acts of Kindness Week. This year, in February 2014 we missed the actual week to participate in. So, we thought spring break was a great time to catch up with the spirit of giving and kindness. It is never too late to be kind to one another and spread joy.
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -Aesop
I started the conversation about giving with my 4 year old, Cash. Quick and to the point, "It is important to always be kind to everyone, all the time. We can't expect anything in return. We do our best to be the best, always." And do you know what my little man responded with? "Yes, mommy. I like to be friendly." I could gush about how Cash really did understand what adventure we were embarking on for the day, but that would not mean anything to you. I encourage you to share the spirit of giving and kindness to your four year old (or any age), the feelings that this project conjured in me today are indescribable. Watching my son do good and feel good for it are my proudest mommy moments.
I addressed my daughter, Casey who is now 2...
This conversation is beyond her 2 years, but I figured that I am planting the seeds that I will water in the years to come. I knew that this task was monumental for my little princess, but I do believe that it will be a priceless gift to her - at some point in the future. When I was done speaking she said, "Okay, mommy." From that point forward she just started picking out her favorite items and putting them in our basket, just as her brother was doing.
Cash and Casey both picked 5 items to give away during this week.
I saw this next quote floating around Pinterest and Facebook a while back and it stuck with me, I can't help but feel that it ties in with what we are doing today.
"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about, be kind, always."
So, off we went to our favorite shopping spot - Target!
Here we are picking out goodies.
After we were done at Target we headed straight to our favorite park. All the goodies were dumped on the blanket and we started putting things in bags.
Then we attached our tags to the toy presents. "#RAOK Kindness is contagious. I picked this toy for you to enjoy. Cash - age 4." The back of the tags say "Random Acts of Kindness."
Here is my sweet girl trying to open the baggie.
We only got to wrap two gifts before meltdowns started (we were close to nap time.) Two was enough to start the adventure... Here they are ready to spread joy!
Picking the recipients...
And go!!!
Casey ended up leaving her slinky package on a swing, after some persuasion : )
Cash hand delivered his toy to an unsuspecting boy at the park. I would have loved to hear the exchange my son had with the little boy but I stayed far from Cash while he delivered his toy. I wanted to encourage his choice and freedom of spreading kindness.
It went well, so well.
Today was a great day, I can't wait to do it again tomorrow.
Thank you for stopping by!
Meghan and Jessica