My goal as a mom has always been to raise my kids to be healthy, kind, and independent. This game is a fun way to practice kindness and see how it’s a skill that not all people have had the opportunity to hone. It’s also a great way to get them to break out of their shell a bit and be more social.
Basic Rules of the Game
- Show a simple act of kindness: say hello to a stranger.
- Find out: are they sweet and return the greeting? or are they sour and ignore you or respond in a not-so-kind way?
That’s it. I learned about this game from one of their friends as they waved to all the parents dropping off their kids to a swim meet. They didn’t know many of these drivers, and not all drivers waved back. Sad, isn’t it?
Kindness… Extended
We all could use a little more kindness and sweetness in our life. And who knows, maybe today’s round of Sweet or Sour start with a “hello”, but maybe next time it’s a nice note to someone you appreciate.
One Player Sweet or Sour
I play this game by myself and it helps me deal with difficult people. Any time someone treats me rudely, I try my best to rise above and treat them with kindness. I try to speak my truth and express how I feel, but in a respectful way. And when I do, I get a point. And they get a point for being sour. The way I reason it is – if I respond to rudeness with another rude comment, how am I any better than they are? Same is true when the kids start teasing each other or seeking revenge or getting physical with each other.
Bob Goff also speaks about loving everyone, always in his books Love Does and Everybody Always – even those that aren’t (by our standards) deserving of that love. It’s true. Maybe if we had responded to those people with love, they would fill a void that would then allow them to spread love instead of hate.
Other Sources for Spreading Joy and Kindness
- Kids Book: Have you Filled A Bucket Today?
