Kindness isn’t just for credits

Have you ever volunteered with your kids and had someone ask if they’re just doing it to earn high school hours?

Every time I hear that question, it gives me a chance to share what volunteering really means to us. For our family, it’s not about meeting a requirement—it’s about raising kids who love giving back and feel connected to their community from an early age.

But let’s be honest: finding ways for younger kids to get involved isn’t always easy. Age limits, schedules, and a lack of options can make it tough.

That’s why we’re excited to share The Kindness Kickstart Challenge! This week’s printable has 30 simple ways to introduce kindness and volunteering into your family’s routine, plus 10 “next-level” ideas for those already on the kindness journey.

And for a little inspiration, we’re spotlighting three amazing young changemakers who prove that no one is too small to make a difference.

Since we’re talking about community, Tammy and I are thrilled to finally kick off our community conversations with you.

In addition to our upcoming workshops, on November 25th at 3:00 PM PT | 6:00 PM ET— we’re hosting our first-ever live community event called "🎉 REKINDLE: Raising Empowered Kids - Inspiring New Discoveries, Leadership, and Experiences!"

We believe there’s a missing tradition in family life—one centered on personal growth and development. That’s why we’re coming together to help you start a new kind of family tradition this holiday that is deeply personalized, inspires growth, and is filled with meaning and connection.

Remember to plan ahead so you don’t miss our upcoming events, starting as early as this Friday. Let us know if there are other topics or gatherings you’d like us to cover.

So, if you’re ready to add a bit more kindness and connection into your family’s world, let’s get started!

Looking for real-life stories to inspire your kids? Meet these young changemakers who started with small actions and are now making a big impact for the planet, pets, and people.

Planet Hero: Small Steps, Big Impact 🌍

Ryan Hickman started his journey at age 3 with a simple mission—picking up cans and bottles. Now 13, his passion for recycling has grown into Ryan’s Recycling, a movement that has kept over 1 million bottles and cans out of landfills. Ryan shows us that even the smallest actions can make a huge impact on the planet.

Animal Advocates: Kids Making a Difference for Pets 🐾

In Los Angeles, a group of kids ages 8-16 formed the Y.A.R.I. Youth Group to support pets in need. They organize adoption events, raise awareness, and donate supplies to local shelters. Y.A.R.I. reminds us that when young people work together, they can make a real difference for animals in need.

Community Builders: Sisters Leading with Kindness 🏠

Sisters Khloe and Kylah started Nest Us at ages 10 and 13 to help people experiencing homelessness by providing essentials and support. Their efforts go even further—they’re also helping other kids earn the Congressional Award, a program that recognizes young people’s dedication to community service and personal growth. Through Nest Us, Khloe and Kylah are building a network of young volunteers committed to kindness and action.

Have a favorite cause or group you support? Share it in the REK Facebook Group to inspire other families to get involved and make a difference!

You’ve heard me talk a lot about creating tiny habit recipes to make kindness and connection part of your family’s routine. The idea is simple: pair a small act of kindness with a moment that naturally fits into your day, making it easy for everyone to remember.

This time, it’s your turn to try it out! For a change, instead of creating new recipes from scratch, I’m offering a free printable with ready-to-use ideas your family can try.

Download The Kindness Kickstart & Changemaker Challenge to get a list of ideas, from beginner ways to bring kindness into everyday life to next-level activities for families ready to take it further. Choose a tiny kindness idea from the list and pair it with an anchor moment—like right before heading out the door, after family meals, or during weekend outings. These are natural times to try simple acts of kindness, helping it become part of your family’s rhythm.

It’s an easy way to build habits that bring joy, connection, and community to your family!

Nov 22-24 - Rediscover + Print 3-Day Bootcamp

Join Sylvia, Mylio, and Printique for a 3-day bootcamp to get all your photos organized just in time for holiday gifting! This interactive event will guide you step-by-step through gathering, sorting, and preparing your favorite memories, so you can create meaningful photo gifts for the season. Perfect for busy families looking to make memories last!

Nov 30-Dec 1 - Harmony Hare's Holiday Countdown

This 3-day workshop with Tammy introduces Harmony Hare’s daily activities and hero-themed quests that encourage kindness, resilience, and self-awareness. Perfect for families looking to bring calm and compassion into their traditions, Harmony inspires peace, love, and unforgettable memories that last all year long.

Now that you’ve seen what’s possible through our youth stories and tiny ways to bring kindness into everyday life, it’s time to hear from a parent behind one of these inspiring changemakers.

In this week’s featured episode, meet Alisha Thompson—an entrepreneur, mom of three, and co-founder of Khloe Kares, the charitable organization she started with her daughter Khloe. Alisha shares how Khloe’s first encounter with homelessness at age 8 sparked a viral movement of kindness, inspiring her to become a global philanthropist, author, and more.

Alisha’s story is a true inspiration for families looking to make kindness a natural part of life. She talks about balancing passions, wellness, and a busy schedule, and how aligning interests with acts of kindness can empower kids to make a difference.

Tune in to Episode #8, “Exercising Kindness, Creating Impact with Alisha Thompson"

Listen on Apple or Spotify Podcast.

Explore more inspiring stories and strategies on the Mompreneurs Raising Kidpreneurs podcast, where I shine the light on purposeful parents who are empowering their kids, just like you!

Thanks for spending time with me in this week’s edition! I hope you’re feeling inspired to bring a little extra kindness, connection, and community​ into your family’s world this month.

Here’s something to keep in mind: when your kids step out into the world, all the volunteer experience and dedication they’ve built will truly set them apart. I’ve seen it firsthand with my two kids—it’s helped them get into their colleges, clubs, and even scholarships. Starting early makes all the difference.

And speaking of festive cheer, we’re excited to share that we’re trying out a new platform to connect with you all! We’ll be adding a special touch to bring some music to your holiday season, curated especially for empowered parents and educators like you. Stay tuned—it’s our way of adding a little rhythm and joy to all you do.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead, and as always, let’s keep raising empowered kids together!

With love,

Sylvia Tam, Purposeful Parent & Certified Tiny Habits Coach