February is known as the month for Valentines, but you might not know there is actually a day dedicated to spreading kindness, too. National Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17. There are lots of ways to teach kids kindness, and painting kindness rocks is one of my favorite activities for kids of all ages. It’s easy—simply paint positive messages on rocks, and place them out in the world for others to find.
- Clean rocks with hot water and let them dry completely. River rocks from a home supply store work best because they are smooth.
- Paint rocks with a multi-surface paint. I prefer DecoArt’s Multi-Surface paint because it covers in one coat.
- To add details to rocks, let each paint color dry before adding another one. This keeps the colors from mixing and running on the rocks. A permanent marker, such as a Sharpie, may also be used for writing or fine lines.
- Once all layers of paint are dry, add a layer of clear sealer/finish to seal the paint. DecoArt Outdoor Decou-Page sealer creates a water-resistant finish that will protect the paint from the elements. Let the rocks dry for several hours.
- Place the rocks around your community within view, for someone else to find. My family has found them in parks, an airport, and even at a Colorado rest area while traveling.
Unexpected acts of kindness are deeply appreciated. Some other great kindness crafts are:
- Write notes with inspirational messages and address them to “Whoever Finds This Note.”
- Make friendship bracelets and leave them in a basket somewhere with a note that says, “Kindly take a friendship bracelet and wear it, knowing that you are loved.”
- Create mini posters or postcards with kindness quotes and put them up on community message boards in coffee shops, libraries, and schools.
- Make cookies and take them to your local police department, fire department, or other community service agency.
- Surprise your kids’ school staff with a hot cocoa bar or sweet treats.
