One of the most important things we can teach our children is to have empathy for others. The Kindness Rocks Project is a fun and easy way to introduce the concept of kindness to young ones.
At Twin Cities Kids
, we believe the best way to show kids the importance of being kind is to lead by example.
The Kindness Rocks Project is the brainchild of Megan Murphy. During a difficult period in her life where she was dealing with the death of her parents, she realized how meaningful small acts of kindness could be.
On a whim, she started writing encouraging messages on rocks and scattering them during walks on the beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Very quickly, she started seeing the positive ripple effects of her actions. For a year, Megan scattered the rocks anonymously, before deciding to share her project.
Her simple idea blossomed into The Kindness Rocks Project, founded on the idea that one message at the right time can change your entire outlook on your day or even your life.
HOW TO GET ROCKING
The Kindness Rocks Project is a wonderful activity because it is entirely scalable for small or large groups of any age. Adults and children alike will benefit from the meditative and calming act of painting and projecting positive intentions.
One of the best things about this project is the simplicity of it. To get started, all you need is a pile of rocks and something to use to write or paint.
Rocks
It’s best to have a smooth flat rock, as it’s easy to write on and will be legible. Make sure you don’t remove rocks from state or national parks and other protected places, as it is illegal.
If you need a big batch of rocks for an event, consider buying some from your local garden center. Amazon also ships large bags of rocks for a reasonable price.
Wash
Dust, debris, and soil can make it difficult for paint or ink to stick to the rock. Before painting, wash the stones in soap and water, rinse and let dry thoroughly.
Sand
Depending on your aesthetic, you may want a completely smooth surface for your kindness rock. If that’s the case, use some light grit sandpaper to smooth away any pits or rough spots.
Decorate
If you want a minimalist look, use Sharpies or other permanent markers to write your message directly on the stone.
You can also get very creative and use acrylic paint to decorate them with happy images, such as:
- Hearts
- Flowers
- Suns
- Plants
- Animals
- Rainbows
- Smiley faces
Seal
Once you have your lovely positive messages inscribed, make sure to seal the rocks before spreading them. Otherwise, all your hard work might be washed away by the elements. A clear matte aerosol spray is the easiest way to protect and affix your art.
Spread
It is entirely up to you where you want to leave your kindness rocks. Some people make a small “garden” of sorts in public places, where they pile many rocks with a message encouraging people to take or leave them. Others may sprinkle them along their route as they go about their day.
KINDNESS ROCKS AROUND THE WORLD
On Instagram, check out the #TheKindnessRocksProject to see where these unique stones are throughout the world. So far, people have shared them in Hawaii, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland, Thailand, Haiti, Italy, and England.
WHAT TO WRITE
You can decide if you’d like to write original messages, your favorite quotes, or any other positive and meaningful phrase.
To help you get started, here’s a small sampling of uplifting messages that would be perfect for your first kindness rock.
Single Words
- Hope
- Peace
- Joy
- Paradise
- Relax
- Unique
- Beloved
- Blessed
- Smart
- Honorable
- Brave
- Strong
- Beautiful
- Compassion
- Inspire
- Inspiration
- Happy
- Happiness
- Kind
- Kindness
- Forgive
- Miracles
- Magic
- Sparkle
- Live
- Laugh
- Love
- Namaste
Short Phrases
- You’ve got this.
- Love wins all.
- Oh, happy day.
- I believe in you.
- You can do it.
- You are worthy.
- You matter.
- You are special.
- You are loved.
- You are kind.
- You are brave.
- Always be yourself.
- You are strong.
- Let love grow.
- Prove them wrong.
- Life is a gift.
- Dare to dream.
- Have fun.
- Follow your heart.
- Use your gifts.
- Be kind. Repeat.
- Family is forever.
- Follow your bliss.
- Change is good.
- Believe in miracles.
- Be here now.
- Be not afraid.
- Believe you can.
- Do great things.
- Live your dream.
- Good vibes only.
- You are amazing.
- You’re doing great.
- You’re not alone.
- See the world.
- Seize the day.
Longer Phrases
- The grass is greener where you water it.
- Do what makes your heart sing.
- Life is what you make it.
- It’s going to be okay.
- Life is short, eat the cupcake.
- Don’t be afraid to dream.
- Diamond in the rough.
- Do what you love.
- Follow your own star.
- Focus on the good.
- Choose the world you see.
- Each day is a gift.
- Goals are dreams with deadlines.
- Keep calm and rock on.
- Your attitude determines your direction.
- You are your only limit.
- You’re here for a reason.
- Don’t wait for an opportunity. Create it.
- Every end is a new beginning.
- Be your own kind of beautiful
- There is no wealth but life.
- You are stronger than you think.
- You are on the road to happiness.
- Take every chance. Drop every fear.
- Fear less. Love more.
- Don’t wish for it, work for it.
- Do or do not. There is no try.
- May all your good come back to you.
- Speak your truth. Even if your voice shakes.
- Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.
- You are what you believe yourself to be.
- Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.
- Never stop believing in magic.
- Kind words cost nothing.
- Not all who wander are lost.
- Expect a little. Give a lot.
- Throw kindness around like glitter.
We hope this inspires you to create kindness rocks and start a meaningful conversation with your children. Join Twin Cities Kids Club