Random acts of neighboring can be a great activity to do as a family, with your kids, or just quietly by yourself. Sometimes it’s hard to get out there initially and do things for other people, but when you do, it’s a chain reaction and makes you want to do it more and more.
There are so many things you can do for your neighbors, but I suggest personalizing the random acts of neighboring, or service, by getting to know them better first. Doing things for other people not only helps out the person receiving the service but makes you a better and happier person as well.
When you see your neighbors outside, simply say hello and start asking them questions. I find it’s nice to ask them about things that are important to them like their kids, grandkids or pets.
With new neighbors, you can also ask them if they’ve met many people in the neighborhood yet. Another good idea that is excellent for making neighbors feel comfortable with you is to let them know that if they need any baking ingredients - eggs, sugar, flour, etc. - they’re more than welcome to come over and ask. Make sure to exchange phone numbers as well.
Once you’ve established an idea of the likes, needs, and/or interests of a neighbor, start neighboring! It doesn’t have to be anonymous, but it’s fun if it is. Here is a list of some ideas you can do to serve your neighbor:
- Take out/bring in their trash can on trash day
- Mow their lawn
- Weed their garden when they’re not home
- Rake their leaves
- Doorbell ditch their favorite goodies on their porch
- Offer to babysit their children for a couple of hours while they run errands
- Bring over a frozen meal to a family with a new baby or to an elderly couple. They can cook it whenever they need it most
- Anonymously drop off vegetables from your garden harvest
- Put together a basket of “busy activities” such as coloring books, puzzles, and games for a family with children
- Gather wildflowers and leave a bouquet on their porch
