Winter Kindness Challenge For Kids + Free Printable Tracker

With giving and sharing all around us during the holidays, it’s one of the best times to help our children understand empathy. That’s why I’ve created a Winter Kindness Challenge for Kids along with a free printable tracker to make spreading kindness fun and easy.

Table of Contents

Why Teach Kindness in Winter?

Here’s why I would recommend reinforcing kindness during the winter months.

While winter can feel magical, it’s also a time when some people need extra warmth and care. And, teaching kindness during this season can help kids learn:

How small acts can brighten someone’s day.
The importance of thinking about others.
That giving feels just as good as receiving.

When we intentionally guide the kids in our lives to notice and respond to others’ needs, we’re not just making the holidays brighter. We are also helping them build empathy skills that will last a lifetime.

SCROLL TO THE END TO DOWNLOAD YOUR KINDNESS CHALLENGE!

What Is the Winter Kindness Challenge?

Our winter kindness challenge is a 12-day or a week-long activity designed for kids of all ages. Each day, they complete one small, thoughtful act, like holding the door for someone, helping clean up at home, smiling and waving at people they meet, etc.

To make it extra fun, we’ve created a free printable kindness tracker for you to download and share with your kids.

Kids can color in the gingerbread or snowman as they complete an act of kindness. By the end of winter, they’ll have a beautiful reminder of all the good they’ve done.

Tips On How You Can Teach Empathy

Kindness is wonderful, but empathy takes it one step further.

Empathy is understanding how someone else feels and responding with care. Winter gives us so many opportunities to teach it naturally.

1. Model It Daily

Children learn best by watching adults. Let them see you holding a door for someone, donating food, or comforting a friend. Later, talk about why you did it.

2. Use Storytelling

Read winter-themed books where characters show compassion. After reading, ask questions like, “How do you think that person felt?” or “What would you do to help?”

3. Talk About Feelings

During the holidays, emotions run high. Help kids recognize feelings in themselves and others. Use a feelings chart or simply pause to name emotions during daily routines.

4. Encourage Helping Roles

Whether in the classroom or at home, give kids “helper jobs” like passing out snacks, cleaning up, or welcoming new students. It builds a habit of noticing others’ needs.

5. Celebrate Acts of Kindness

When a child does something kind, acknowledge it. Use specific praise like, “I saw you share your toy. That was very thoughtful.” This reinforces empathy-driven behavior.

6. Kindness & Empathy Worksheets

Consider using a set of kindness worksheets to help your kids foster empathy and compassion for both themselves and others this winter.

SHOP KINDNESS WORKSHEETS ON ETSY!

Making Kindness Fun and Memorable

The winter kindness challenge isn’t just a checklist!

My friend, it’s a way to build joyful traditions.

You can:

Hang the printable tracker on the fridge or classroom wall.
Reward completed acts with cozy activities like a movie night or a baking day, a classroom fun day with a game of winter bingo.

By the end of the challenge, kids will have a heart full of happy memories and a deeper understanding of empathy.

Start Spreading Kindness Today

Winter is the season of giving, and there’s no better gift to teach our children than kindness and empathy.

Download your free Winter Kindness Tracker and together with your kids spread kindness for an entire week!

Winter Random Acts Of Kindness (8 downloads )

Keep The Learning Going This Winter

Here are some more fun activities you can consider snagging to keep your littles learning:

Pin This Free Winter Kindness Tracker

Make sure to save this free winter kindness challenge for kids so that you can easily find it when needed. And while on Pinterest, please consider following me on the platform. I would absolutely appreciate it!

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