Teaching Our Children to Be Good Neighbors

 

Neighboring and community leadership are topics I write about a lot because they both can positively change our communities in a way that is both meaningful and lasting.

But a few weeks ago, I was asked to talk about neighboring to a group of young children.

I knew I could not encourage them to go across the street and introduce themselves to strangers.

So I had to invest some time in thinking about neighboring basics for children. Some good old fashioned ways to be friendly!

Involving your children in random acts of kindness is a great family activity that teaches gratitude. It also sets an example in considering the needs of others.

Doing some neighboring with your children can also show them the power of their actions in their neighborhood. This is especially the case in a time when our busy lives can make these important relationships feel rushed and fragmented.

Even teaching your children about random acts of kindness can positively impact your community.

So, what is a random act of kindness? It is an unexpected but intentional action by someone with the purpose of spreading kindness and joy to someone else.

These acts can be anonymous, but they do not have to be. A random act of kindness can be shared with someone you know or a complete stranger.

Every small act of kindness can make a difference to someone’s day.

So in the class for children, I focused on ideas that encourage children to start close to home, with simple acts of kindness to those in your very own neighborhood.

I call this my "Child-proof Ways to Be a Good Neighbor" list for children.

1.      Say hello or wave each time you see your neighbors.

2.      Bake a plate of cookies or a favorite dessert for your neighbor.

3.      Cook dinner for a neighbor who is ill or just had a new baby.

4.      Write a friendly message or draw a happy picture on your neighbor’s sidewalk using chalk.

5.      Bring in your neighbors’ garbage can or offer to wash their car.

6.      Leave a bottle of bubbles, a color book, or flowers on your neighbor’s doorstep.

7.      Ask an elderly neighbor if there’s any particular chore you can help them do.

8.      Write out your favorite joke and put in in your neighbor’s mailbox.

9.      Offer to walk your neighbor’s dog.

10.   Deliver a homemade card to your neighbor, or leave it in their door.

11.   Bring out a cold drink on a hot day when you see your neighbor working outside. Maybe try a reverse lemonade stand with free drinks for neighbors.

12.   Offer to play with your neighbor’s children for an afternoon.

13.   Offer to help water the garden, rake leaves or shovel snow.

14.   Help your parents host a simple block party with some food and drinks. Perhaps offer to deliver the invitations to neighbors' front doors.

15.   Perform an act of kindness with no expectation of getting anything in return!

The basic rule is this: be kind and treat people the way you would want to be treated.

But none of this happens on its own. You have to make the time and take the initiative. It is all part of being a truly good neighbor to those living around you.