11/11/2025

Celebrating Kindness: Simple Ways to Raise Kind Kids

What is World Kindness Day all about?

Every year on 13th November, people all over the world pause for a moment to celebrate something wonderfully simple; kindness.

World Kindness Day started back in 1998, thanks to the World Kindness Movement, a group that wanted to make kindness more visible in everyday life. Here in the UK, we’ve also got Kindness Day UK, which runs on the same date and encourages us all to do something kind, big or small.

There isn’t always an official global “theme” each year, but recent ones have focused on things like “Be Kind, Be Mindful”, a lovely reminder that kindness can be shown in how we speak, listen, share and even how we treat ourselves.

World Kindness Day is one of those dates that feels extra special for families; a little nudge to slow down and sprinkle a bit more kindness into our homes, schools and communities.

Why kindness matters (for our kids and for us)

Kindness might sound small, but it’s huge when it comes to children’s development. It helps them understand empathy, manage emotions, build friendships and even boosts their mental wellbeing.

And here’s the best part, kindness is contagious. When kids see us being kind (to them, to others, even to ourselves), they soak it up and start doing the same. Little acts like a thank you, a hug, a helping hand, all ripple out further than we realise.

So this World Kindness Day, let’s look at a few simple, age-appropriate ways to help kindness become part of everyday family life.

How to teach kindness to children of different ages

💛 Kindness tips For ages 3–6 (early years)

At this age, kids are just starting to understand feelings, both their own and other people’s. The best way to teach kindness? Make it fun and visible!

• Kindness jar: Every time your child does or spots something kind, write or draw it on a slip of paper and pop it in the jar. Read them together at the weekend and celebrate
• Story time with a twist: When you’re reading together, pause and ask things like, “How do you think that character felt?” or “What could we do to help them feel better?”
• Tiny challenges: “Can you share a toy today?” or “Can you say something kind to a friend?”; simple, achievable, and encouraging
• See and repeat: Let them catch you being kind, thanking the delivery driver, helping a neighbour, or saying “I’m going to take a little break because I need to be kind to myself.” They’ll remember what they see more than what they hear!

💚 Kindness tips For ages 7–11 (primary years)

This age is perfect for helping kids understand that kindness isn’t just nice manners. It’s how we make the world a bit better.

• Kindness missions: Write small acts on cards such as “say something nice to someone”, “help with a chore”, “pick up litter”. Let your child draw one each day or week
• Family brainstorm: Over dinner, chat about kind things you could do together. Maybe bake for a neighbour, write thank-you notes, or tidy a local park
• Notice and name it: When you see your child being kind, say it out loud; “That was really kind of you to help your brother.” It helps them connect the dots between action and impact
• Kindness pledge: Have everyone in the family commit to one kind act this week and share it at the end of the week. It keeps kindness on everyone’s radar

💙 Kindness tips For ages 12–16 (teens)

Teenagers often get a bad rap, but they’re usually deeply empathetic. They just need space and autonomy to show it in their own way.

• Ask, don’t tell: Try “What does kindness mean to you?” or “When have you seen someone really kind?” rather than lecturing about it
• Kindness online: Talk about how words matter on social media. Even a supportive comment or standing up for someone can make a difference
• Let them choose: Whether it’s helping at home, volunteering, or doing something thoughtful for a friend. When the idea is theirs, it’s more powerful
• Don’t forget self-kindness: Teens face a lot of pressure. Encouraging them to rest, talk kindly to themselves, and recognise when they need a break is a form of kindness too

Making kindness part of everyday life

You don’t need fancy crafts or long talks. A few small things can make a big difference:

• Ask over dinner, “What kind thing did you do or notice today?”
• When something goes wrong, model self-kindness: “That didn’t go how I hoped, but that’s okay, I’ll try again.”
• Point out kind moments you see out and about. It helps kids notice them too
• Keep it real. Nobody’s kind all the time. What matters is trying again tomorrow

🌿 Our commitment to kindness at camp

At Barracudas, kindness isn’t just a theme, it’s embedded in our culture.

We know children thrive when they feel safe, supported and seen. That’s why our camps focus on wellbeing in every sense; physical, mental and emotional.

Through games and outdoor adventures, kids move their bodies, build confidence and feel good.

Our team champions encouragement, teamwork and celebrating effort over perfection.

We make space for friendships to grow and kindness to shine, from helping each other in activities to cheering on new friends.

When children spend time in an environment that values kindness, it sticks with them long after the camp ends.

So, as World Kindness Day rolls around, we’ll be celebrating with our community and encouraging every child to carry that warm, supportive spirit into their everyday lives.