kids on kindness

Amidst all the uncertainties, fear and anxiety plaguing our world, acts of kindness shine out like beacons of hope and humanity. Kindness is the glue that holds our communities together. It can take on many forms — from small actions to big deeds — and even a single act of kindness can change a life, and make the world a better place.

We can inspire kids to be kind – but sometimes they can inspire us! We asked kids, in elementary and middle school, to share their thoughts on what kindness means to them — and boy did they deliver! From short stories to original poems, here are their heart-warming, uplifting and beautiful words. Thank you to all the kids who participated and well done!

“What does kindness mean to me? It means things like remembering your cousin’s birthday or even smaller things like giving half of your cookie to your brother! Kindness means giving and much more than that! Kindness also means taking the time to make something nice for someone else, like a necklace, a dreamcatcher, or even a painting! Kindness means a lot to everyone, and I believe that everyone deserves kindness.”

— Willow, 11, 5th grade, IDEA Homeschool, Juneau

“Kindness is hanging out with family and snuggling. Sometimes it looks like playing with your friends and making sure they have fun too.

Kindness is helping animals not go extinct. It can also be checking up on someone when they fall and making sure they can get back up again.

Kindness is making sure your heart is big enough for every person and creature you meet.”

— Evan, 6, 1st grade, Homeschool, Anchorage

“What kindness means to me: kindness is good for me. It’s fun to be kind for everyone at school and at home! Brothers and sisters can be nice to you if you be nice to them, even be nice to friends, too! Even they can be nice to you! And they can be friends to you! If you still be friends, you have more BFF’s! If you share, you’re kind! And if you wait for your friend you’re kind. If you’re playing something don’t cheat or you’re not being kind. If they get mad at you say sorry, if they calm down they say sorry to you!”

— Mary, 8, 3rd grade, Susitna Elementary, Anchorage

“Kindness means love.
Kindness helps others do stuff.
Kindness helps people smile.
If you spread kindness all over you feel happy.
Kindness keeps your words nice.
Kindness helps you be good.”

— Anabella, 6, 1st grade, Polaris K-12 School, Anchorage

“Kindness. If you wanted to know what kindness really is, never would you find dual answers, because kindness has no twins. No, but it manifests in many different ways. Ever changing, it comes briefly but somehow always stays. Somehow not there, but remains a little bit. Softly glowing, like a candle barely lit.”

— Brook, 9, 4th grade, Homeschool, Juneau

“I am something great that comes from within, an act or deed that inspires a grin.
I bring with me a feeling of cheer, lessening the trouble and replacing the fear.
I need no ‘thank you,’ I ask for no pay. I only hope to brighten your day.
You’ll be amazed when you suddenly see all the good things you can do with me!
I treat everyone like a highness, what am I? KINDNESS.”

— Ilannie, 11, 5th grade, IDEA Homeschool, Juneau

“Kindness to me means feeding animals when they are hungry.

Kindness means helping friends when they need help. Sharing Legos, giving them the tools they need in an online game, helping them with homework.

Kindness means giving friends stuff they need when you have extra, like hand-me-down clothes, shoes, coats, and toys.

Kindness means helping strangers when they need help. By giving homeless people food, holding open doors for elderly and people with their hands full, putting food in Blessing Boxes so that people can take what they need without other people watching or judging them.

Kindness means letting bunnies live a good life instead of in a box with bars. Keeping them together with other bunnies as they are social animals and making sure to give them healthy foods like fresh fruit and greens.

Kindness to me is when the ball gets away from a game of four square and someone tosses it back.

Kindness is standing up to a bully when someone is being bullied. This lets the person being picked on know that they are not alone.

Kindness is when someone goes out of their way to do something that helps someone else.”

— Aiden, 11, 6th grade, Polaris K-12, Anchorage

“Kindness to me means helping people, being nice, and making a difference.

Kindness means making sure people are OK when they fall down. Helping people to carry their food to the car. Holding open doors for those who have their hands full or need help going in and out.

Kindness means helping homeless people to have warm clothes and food to eat. Stopping and talking to them, giving them a smile, letting them know they are seen.

Kindness means filling up the food and cat bowls so the animals aren’t hungry.

Kindness means helping out around the house.

Kindness means checking in with your friends when you haven’t talked for awhile.

Kindness means learning what people need and helping them to fill those needs.

Kindness means looking at the world and seeing how you can make a difference, by yourself or by getting friends and the community to help.

Kindness means taking care of your family. Helping your dad when he is working on a project. Doing the dishes for mom. Helping my brother clean his room. Holding my grandparents hands as we walk across the ice.”

— Arabella, 9, 4th grade, Polaris K-12, Anchorage

“Kindness in a Time of Struggle:

Kindness matters. During 2020 people were dealing with a pandemic. Staying home, wearing masks, worrying about getting sick, and concerns of having their needs met can be difficult during this time. Being kind to one another can make these things a little easier.

Kindness makes people feel that they matter. The Covid-19 pandemic gives us lots of opportunities to be kind to others. When we wear masks, it helps protects others from the virus. We can offer to pick up groceries or items for people from the store. Staying home as much as possible reduces the chances of you getting sick, but also of spreading illness. Another way to spread kindness is by calling or sending letters to loved ones because it can be very hard not being able to see friends and family. These acts of kindness make people feel loved.”

— Lydia, 11, 5th grade, IDEA Homeschool, Juneau