A Simple Daily Kindness Activity for Little Kids (Perfect for Valentine’s Season)
There’s something really powerful about kindness when it’s practiced in small, doable ways — especially for little kids.
Not big lectures.
Not complicated charts.
Just simple moments they can understand.
That’s why I created this Daily Kindness Jar — an easy, low-prep activity you can use at home, at Grandma School, or with preschool-aged kids anytime you want to gently focus on kindness.
💗 What Is the Daily Kindness Jar?
The Daily Kindness Jar is a printable set of simple kindness cards designed especially for young children.
Each card suggests a small, realistic act of kindness — things kids can actually do with a little guidance.
Some examples from the cards:
• Draw a picture for someone
• Share a toy
• Say something nice about someone
• Practice saying “thank you”
• Help clean up a room
• Go for a walk and wave hello to people you see
Download my free PDF for the month of February. Great Valentines Day theme for the whole month!
Label for jar
I will be doing this with my granddaughter and will share what we do. Please post some of your activities! Happy February!
We live in a very different world than when I was raising my kids in the ’90s. Back then, you could buckle a baby into a car seat with one hand, toss them a bag of Cheerios, and call it a day. These days? Oh no. There are entire college courses devoted to the proper angle of a chest clip.
So much has changed when it comes to taking care of little ones — from car seats that look like they were designed by NASA to toddlers who can swipe before they can talk. Most of these updates are for the better (safety and sanity are good things!), but it can feel like we need a certification just to babysit. So here’s your quick Grandma School crash course on how to keep up.
🚗 Car Seats: They even have an expiration date!
Sure, we had car seats in the ’90s — but let’s be honest, some of them looked suspiciously like folding chairs with straps. The rule now? Rear-facing as long as humanly possible. Basically until the kid can drive themselves to college.
If you’re spending more than an hour or two a week with your grandkids, it’s time to invest in your own car seat. And listen carefully — go to the store and actually try the buckles. I’m not kidding. Buckling one of these things is like trying to fasten a seatbelt on a wiggly octopus. You’ll thank yourself later for finding one you can manage without throwing out your shoulder.
And here’s my number one, back-saving, sanity-protecting piece of advice: get a rotating car seat. It spins toward you when you’re buckling them in, so you’re not doing a half-yoga, half-wrestling move every time you go somewhere. Yes, they’re pricey — but so was your last chiropractor visit.
Bonus Hack: If your grandbaby is still in an infant carrier, get one of those car seat strollers — the kind where the car seat clicks right into a stroller base. That way, you can go from car to store to park without ever unstrapping the baby. It’s like a luggage trolley for humans. Honestly, whoever invented it deserves a medal and a nap.
There have been studies coming out the past few years about the dangers of screen time in infants. Their brain development can be altered. However, let’s be honest — screen time isn’t part of my parenting philosophy, it’s part of my emergency plan.
When I’m outnumbered and out of patience, sometimes the only thing standing between me and total meltdown (mine or theirs) is a screen. Sometimes if I am in a store, a restaurant, or other places that kids commonly have meltdowns, I will pull out a screen.
I stick with the calm, classic stuff: Super Simple Songs, Daniel Tiger, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Bluey. They’re gentle, predictable, and don’t make me want to throw the iPad out the window.
So no, I don’t promote screen time. But I do believe in survival. And sometimes, survival looks like a talking tiger teaching emotional regulation while I finally sit down for five quiet minutes.
🥕 Snacks: The Organic Overhaul
Remember when “snack time” meant a sleeve of saltines and a can of 7-Up? Yeah, those days are over. Now every snack is an event. You’ll hear phrases like “nut-free,” “gluten-sensitive,” and “refined sugar alternatives” — all while your grandchild begs for Goldfish and fruities. The rules on food among moms changes daily.
Don’t panic. You don’t need to own a dehydrator or make homemade oat balls shaped like bunnies. Just check with the parents about any allergies, then find something simple and safe. Applesauce pouches are your new best friend. If the parents want more nutritious snacks, don’t be a brat about it. Have respect for their wishes and put the red dye away. Annie’s brand has some pretty healthy snacks.
Back in the ’90s, we put babies to sleep however they’d actually sleep. Stomach, side, swing, car seat — didn’t matter. These days, the phrase “safe sleep” has its own legal department.
Remember when bumper pads were a thing? Like, you HAD to have them. The rule now is flat surface, firm mattress, on their back, nothing in the crib. Not even a blanket. Now the babies are put in sleep sacks. That’s their blanket. Think baby minimalism.
With that being said, tummy time is also important. I have six grandchildren, and not one of them has ever been on board with it. Every single one acted like I had personally betrayed them the moment I set them face-down on a blanket.
But as much as they protest, it’s a big deal for brain and body development — it helps strengthen their neck, shoulders, and little baby muscles.
I just find it ironic that they’re not allowed to sleep on their tummies, but we’re told it’s crucial for them to play on their tummies. Basically, it’s: “Never let them sleep that way! But please, make them suffer through it during waking hours.” Parenting (and grandparenting) rules are wild.
This invention is literally a lifesaver. These tiny smart socks and monitors track a baby’s heartbeat and oxygen levels, and alert parents if something seems wrong. One of life’s cruelest turns is the risk a baby faces while sleeping — and that fear is real.
I personally knew five babies who died from sudden infant death. It’s something that never leaves you.
Devices like the Owlet don’t erase that risk, but they do help ease some of the worry. It’s amazing how far we’ve come — from tiptoeing in to check if the baby’s breathing, to now being able to glance at an app and see they’re safe. Technology has its frustrations, but this one? This one feels like grace.
📸 Managing Photos: The Digital Avalanche (and My Photo Curse)
When my kids were little, we had to buy film, take 24 pictures, and hope one turned out. Now? Parents take 24 pictures of the same moment — just to decide which one has the best lighting. Every blink, burp, and toe wiggle is documented in portrait mode, uploaded to a cloud, and shared with a 47-person family chat.
I’ll be honest — I have what I can only describe as a photo curse.
The first time it struck was at Disneyland. I had a brand-new camera, fully charged, ready to capture every moment. The second we walked through those magical gates — click — it died. Just shut off. Never turned back on. So we bought disposable cameras at Disneyland prices (which, if you’ve never done it, feels like financing a small car).
Then it happened again at the Louvre in Paris. Same story. Walked in, camera stopped working. So instead of photos, we came home with a gift shop book — which, honestly, had much better lighting than anything I would’ve taken.
At this point, I’ve accepted that managing photos just isn’t my thing. I love seeing my grandkids’ pictures, but I can’t keep up with the nonstop albums and “memories” notifications. Photos stress me out. I’d rather just live the moment — curse and all.
📱 Posting Photos: The One Rule You Can’t Bend
You’ve probably heard of social media rules — the ones that say what grandparents can and can’t post online. And here’s the truth: this isn’t a suggestion, a debate, or a “well, I only have a few followers” situation.
This is a rule.
You do exactly what the parents ask — every time. No exceptions.
If they say no photos online, it’s no photos.
If they say only in private albums, then that’s the rule.
You might roll your eyes a little, but you follow it.
So keep learning, and remember: you don’t have to know every rule to be the world’s best grandma — you just have to show up and love them like crazy.
It’s not about control — it’s about respect. These are their kids, and they’re raising them in a world where digital footprints start before kids can even walk. The parents get to decide what’s shared, not Grandma School.
And honestly? One less thing for us to manage online sounds great to me.
🔄 When the Rules Change Again (and They Will)
Here’s another modern parenting reality: the rules will change — often. What’s “allowed” on Monday might be “absolutely not” by Friday.
Don’t take it personally. Parents today are constantly bombarded with new information — safety updates, parenting trends, the latest “expert” advice on everything from pacifiers to pajamas. They’re trying to make the best choices they can with what they know today.
Our job is simple: respect their wishes, every time. Even when it feels inconsistent or confusing. Even when you quietly think, we survived just fine without all this.
Because what they really need from us — more than advice or opinions — is support. A grandma who rolls with it. Who says, “Got it,” and means it.
And if tomorrow they reverse course again? Smile, adjust, and remind yourself: we raised them. They can handle this.
Please comment some of the changes you have seen in child rearing. I would love to hear from you.
Contains affiliate links where I can earn commission at no extra cost to you When you’re a full-time grandma like me, you quickly learn what works and what doesn’t. Grandma School runs on creativity, messes, and lots of Grandma Gear. Over the years with my grandkids, these ten things have proven to be absolute essentials:
1. A Play Table Instead of a Coffee Table
It took a few years for me to discover how useful this would be. We had a coffee table that I really liked, and I was a bit stubborn about it. Unfortunately, it had sharp edges and I was worried someone would cut their head open if they fell on it. We had to put foam guards around the edges.
A few years ago, my nephew came through town as he and his family were moving to another state. He asked me if I would like a play table that he had built with his grandpa, my dad. His kids had outgrown it. I agreed to take it and am so glad I did!
The table is the height of a coffee table. It is just painted white, nothing fancy. It is built so well, very sturdy, nice smooth rounded edges.
One of my favorite things about this table is the raised edges. Those little borders around the top keep crayons, blocks, puzzle pieces, and all the tiny treasures from sliding right off onto the floor. At Grandma School, that’s a lifesaver. It turns the table into a contained play space—almost like a giant tray—so the kids can spread out their projects without me chasing runaway pieces across the rug. I cannot overstress how helpful this is.
The table opens up and has four sliding tops to choose from all contained inside. There is a chalkboard, and the rest are just painted white. They were meant to have scenes painted on them. You could also make a Lego base, a whiteboard, train tracks, etc. We just keep ours on white. Sometimes my grandson likes to pull out the chalkboard and play with it on its own.
This table was designed by my dad and nephew, but there are a few options available online.
Take it from me—washable is the only way to go. Kids want color. Bright, bold, every-color-in-the-rainbow kind of color. After enough disasters (the kind that still haunt a few of my walls), I made a firm rule: only washable paints, markers, and crayons come through the door. Thankfully, there’s a huge selection on Amazon, so we’re never short on creative supplies.
These are the ones I have used for years. They don’t completely come out of clothing without a little scrubbing. I was told that mixing it with a bit of Dawn dish soap is helpful. I tried it and it really did work?
Silpat mats and rimmed cookie sheets are Grandma School essentials. They turn any table into a mess-friendly workspace—perfect for kinetic sand, paints, slime, glue, etc. Everything stays on the tray, and when we’re done, I just lift, rinse, and we’re back to clean in a minute.
I use these in baking too. I don’t use the same ones. For baking my favorites are these. For grandma school a basic cheap set works.
My baking sheets. I like them for grandma school because they are sturdy. I use them new for baking, then the old ones go to the grandma gear cabinet.
4. A Water Table and Pump
There’s something about water that keeps kids endlessly entertained. Cups, spoons, and a little pump turn into whole afternoons of fun. The water table was from Costco. It did not come with a pump. Someone suggested that I buy one for it. You can get them on Amazon. Originally they were made for water coolers but they work for playtime too. The one I have now is made for water tables. It’s nice because the hose is attached to the side and not the bottom of the pump. This makes it easier to set up. They are inexpensive and rechargeable. Keeping the water circulating brings an extra layer of fun.
Sometimes I will use the pump inside. My grandson likes like to play in the sink with the running water. This is a good alternative so I don’t waste water and minimize the mess.
Imagination blooms here. I’ve watched my grandkids create whole worlds, stories, and even arguments between dolls—it’s pure magic. Boys and girls enjoy it equally. I also love a nice set of dolls for the dollhouse. Well made dolls are worth the extra money.
Ah, Little People. The official mascot of Grandma School. My grandson and I go way back with these, and I’ll share more of that story in a future post. I remember the ones I had when I was little, which makes playing with them now feel extra special. There’s just something about these cheerful little figures—they’re sturdy, timeless, and they spark the kind of pretend play kids never tire of. Honestly, I’d buy every set they make. They’re a true Grandma School favorite, and I absolutely love them.
Soft, squishy, calming—and it never dries out. Hours of fun, guaranteed. I have many different kinds of sand and rotate through the sets. My biggest recommendation is to not mix the sets together. The sand is made differently and mixing colors or brands just kind of ruins it. It globs together and doesn’t work right.
Do not be afraid of the mess. It is not like real sand. It’s soft and not gritty. It is easy to clean. Trust me on this.
This is where the magic happens: white vinegar, glue, Elmer’s Magical Liquid, dish soap, shaving cream, and washable paint. Add a little curiosity, and suddenly you’ve got foam volcanoes, bubbling potions, or the perfect slime. These are the building blocks of science experiments. You can use borax and contact solution in place of the magical liquid.
I like to buy glitter glue for the slime. Sometimes you can find it at the dollar store way cheaper than at craft stores. So much better than adding glitter. Much less mess.
For the shaving cream you want to get unscented foam. Not gel. You can also find this at the dollar store. I don’t have kids play with this until they are at least 3. It is irritating to the skin.
I color the slime with washable paint and not food coloring. Works just as well with less mess.
9. Your Own Gear
I keep my own car seats installed in my car, and it has been a game-changer. I highly recommend the rotating car seats—they make getting infants in and out so much easier, and your back will thank you later. I also keep a booster on hand for when I need it. Right now, I’ve got two car seats permanently set up, ready to go at a moment’s notice. It saves time, stress, and makes every pickup or outing so much easier.
I also have my own strollers, trikes, bikes, etc.
10. Deseret Industries (or Your Local Thrift Store)
Don’t underestimate the thrift store. I’ve found books, toys, costumes, and furniture that have become staples here. Half the fun is the treasure hunt. I have found our local Deseret industries to be the best overall. We have found quite a few treasures there.
The grands love to visit the thrift store. We visit the DI about twice a month.
Grandma School isn’t about perfection—it’s about building a place where the kids feel completely at home, and where I can enjoy the moments too. This list was created with full-time grandmas in mind—the ones caring for grandchildren day in and day out. These aren’t just “nice-to-haves”; they’re the essentials that have kept us busy, creative, and happy through the years.
Do you have anything to add to this list? Let me know in the comments!
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