25 Acts of Kindness for Kids

Do you know how to build positive mental health for kids? The postive psychology model gives an approach to holistically developing skills and mindsets for happiness. Acts of Kindness is one evidence backed activity for building positive emotions and social connection.

The PERMA+ model from Positive Psychology breaks down well-being into the categories of positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment plus physical activity, optimism, nutrition and sleep. Each of these categories have evidence-backed actions that can improve them.

For increasing positive emotions, acts of kindness is one strategy. Being kind to others makes us feel good. It’s also helpful for building relationships and social connection when you do things for others.

Many of these acts of kindness also help kids with autism in developing their social skills. Giving eye contact and smiling towards a friend is part of building friendships and being connected socially to people. Putting yourself in others’ shoes and thinking about what others are thinking is part of Social Thinking. This also can be built through Acts of Kindness and targets another social skill that is often difficult for kids with autism. If you’re writing a note or making a gift, talk about what that person would like – what are their interests? what are their favourite foods, colours and animals? Can you connect with what you know about that person in order to show you listen and care for them?