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

• someone you know who need an emotional boost, cheer, or encouragement
• organizations that need homemade cards such as Cards For Kidz or The Forgotten Ones: International Card Exchange for the Elderly Facebook Group
• hospitals, churches, nursing homes near you (check if they are accepting homemade cards)

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 

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.

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