Random Acts of Kindness for Our Mental Health from Fairmont Counselor Ms. Jill Thomas

March 23, 2020

We need to distance ourselves, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help each other. Parents need to remain healthy physically as well as mentally and emotionally in order to effectively care for their children. During difficult times, we can often see the most beautiful acts of kindness. If you’re looking for things to do to keep busy, here is a list of resources from Random Acts of Kindness to help! We will get through this sooner if we take care of ourselves and each other. Kindness is a powerful tool. Let’s use it.

Things to do with your children at home:

Download the kindness calendars from randomactsofkindness.org for suggestions and reminders
Share animal pictures: Encourage friends and family on social media to share pictures of the animals they share space with.
YMCA 360 free video classes: You can take group exercise classes for all ages right in your own home at no charge for a limited time!
Paint a rainbow on your window to spread joy.
Hold a virtual dinner party: Use Skype, Zoom, Facetime or Google Hangouts to host a dinner party where everyone makes the same dish at home.
5 Minute Meditation. Begin a meditation practice – 5 minutes a day – focus your attention on breathing – THAT’S IT!
Stay positive online: Connect with positive online groups so when your news feed isn’t only current events/news.
Get outside no matter the weather – it’s good for you!
Hold an online video game night with family and/or friends.
Create an online playdate where kids play charades, tell jokes or stories on the phone.
Share your favorite simple recipe with your online community.
Have a dance party with everyone in your house, even if it’s just you.
Revisit the past by looking at some old photographs.
Create a weekly habit of listing things that make you happy, what you love about yourself and what you’re currently grateful for.
Start journaling. This will be an interesting time to look back on
Take a free online course from an Ivy League University
Take a virtual tour of the Uffizi Gallery, the Louvre, or another museum around the world.
Take a virtual visit of the San Diego Zoo or a space museum
Write positive messages with sidewalk chalk in your neighborhood.
Reach out by phone or video to the elderly who may be alone.

ABOUT FAIRMONT SCHOOLS

Fairmont is Orange County’s oldest and largest secular, co-educational preschool – 12th-grade private school. Voted Best Private School in Orange County for nine consecutive years, Fairmont is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and Cognia, and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.

With five Orange County campuses serving preschool through high school students, parents can rely on a continuous education where students explore the full range of their potential as scholars, athletes, artists, and leaders. Students can expect to be challenged, inspired, and supported by teachers and peers. Parents can count on educators and administrators who will partner with them in their child’s educational journey.