Today we wrap up our series on kids and summer.  In addition to keeping brain and body active, summer is a great time for kids to practice kindness.  With the looser schedule of summer, it is possible for kids to spend more of their time helping others.

Help should start at home.  Kids should have chores throughout the year, but they could do some special tasks during the summer, such as gardening or other yard work.  It's also a great time to undertake big projects, like cleaning out closets or toy chests.

Those cleaning projects lead to the next thing.  Toys and clothes that are no longer in use (but are still in good shape) can be donated.  Kids should always be part of the trip to make the donation.

Sunner is also a great time to volunteer as a family for community service projects. Many such projects are kid-friendly.  These projects could include preparing meals at a soup kitchen, cleaning and rehabbing a local park, or removing grafitti from school walls.

I'd suggest aiming for one family service projecta month.  Getting into the habit of kindness is a great way to spend the summer.