kids

We found the difference between how adults and kids define ‘kindness’.

Wonder
Thanks to our brand partner, Wonder

As a former primary school teacher, I remember constantly telling my students to be kinder to one another. And it worked (most of the time).

One of the kindest things a student ever did for me was take a box of Jatz Crackers and a bunch of cherries from their fridge and leave it on my classroom desk because they wanted to give me a Christmas present. It was so simple but it was one of the most gorgeous acts I’ve ever seen.

And when asked what kindness means to them, it’s often surprising what these little people have to say. As we grow up and get older and busier in our everyday lives, sometimes kindness is a thing we can forget. But its impact should never be underestimated.

"Adults completely make things a lot more complex than they should be," says Jen. Image: Supplied.
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No-one knows that better than kids, who often find kindness in the smallest of things. So, when a group of adorable children took over our office to participate in Wonder's #ChooseKind movement, it reminded me of exactly what kindness means and how it can make the day of someone around you.

Whether it means letting someone you know that you care about them, being nice as well as helpful, inviting someone you don't know to be part of a game, protecting your friends or showing love, they're all sure to do one thing: make someone else feel special and appreciated.

"The world would be a better place to live if we all had the mentality and kindness of kids," says Lauren. Image: Supplied.
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That's exactly what Wonder is helping kids and adults alike do. Inject a bit of kindness into the lives of your friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances, or even a complete stranger in the street.

#Choose Kind is a movement inspired by the story of R.J. Palacio's bestseller-turned-film Wonder, with the aim of helping us bring more kindness and compassion into our lives and the lives of those around us.

So what are you waiting for? No matter how big or how small, you can make an act of kindness today.

Get your inspiration from our video above, which shows how we as adults can learn from kids' perceptions of kindness.

Mamamia has taken the pledge to #ChooseKind, inspired by the story of Wonder, which has been adapted into a new film starring Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson.

We're performing acts of kindness as part of the Choose Kind Challenge, which involves filling up a jar with tokens to represent each kind act. Find out how your family, friends, school or business can get involved by visiting choosekind.org.au to sign the pledge to help spread more kindness in the world.

Wonder is in cinemas November 30.

This content was created with thanks to our brand partner Wonder

What was your last act of kindness? Tell us in the comments section below.