Parenting has dramatically altered my grocery shopping technique.

Sure, there is the predictable increased volume of macaroni noodles, organic yogurt, and apples.

I’m surprised to find myself examining the package as much as the contents of any new product. Obviously, this is because the best packaging usually becomes a play thing, project, or tool.

I recently stumbled upon AmberLee over at  Giverslog where one she is creating a Happy Mail movement by re-inventing mail, creative shopping, and goodies weighing 13 ounces or less (because those goodies will qualify for inexpensive, first-class postage).

So here is an excellent one-off project to do with the kids.

Once you’ve done one, it just might turn into a habit as your trip for groceries becomes a quest for the perfect Happy Mail.

1. Select a Happy Mail Target: Check out Hugs and Hope to find children (and their siblings) who really need a little dose of happiness (more about their wonderful work soon!).

Our card-making corner had been quiet for too long, when this website caught my eye. Hugs and Hope seemed the obvious resource for our Happy Mail recipient, but you may have someone in mind already!

2. Happy Mail Inspiration: A bouncy ball? Flip Flops? Colored Pencils? So many ideas, so little time.

We did this project (our first of many, I hope) on the fly, so we had to improvise a bit. Because Little Miss has such an extensive collection of zoo animals, she chose a few to send in her brother’s baby puffs container. Both girls added cards, a few stickers, and a note from me.

3. Reflect with the Kids: Strike up a conversation to get your kids thinking about the good they are doing. Head to Doing Good Together’s Reflection Ideas for some guidance.

Tags: Books & Resources, Healing Habits, Improving Lives

About Sarah

Sarah Aadland is striving to make family volunteering a meaningful habit for her family of five. Join the conversation as she ponders what they may (or may not have) learned and looks for helpful information about raising compassionate kids.Though she plans to one day put her Masters in Public Policy back to work for social justice, she sees family volunteering as a way to build a stronger community, a better world, and a more connected family. In addition to her children, Sarah tends a large garden, a small flock of chickens, and a habit of mindfulness amid the necessary rituals of parenting.

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