Kindness and compassion are character traits that are instilled in children from an early age.

Get the tips and tools needed as a parent to help you raise kind hearted, compassionate children!

 

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Kindness matters

Let’s face it, what the world needs is more kind, compassionate and accepting people in it.Being kind should not be saved just for Random Acts of Kindness Day or World Kindness Day. Being kind should be something we teach our kids to be EVERY DAY!

Let’s face it, what the world needs is more kind, compassionate and accepting people in it. What better way to provide the world with a future generation of children that will grow up to be generous, thoughtful adults that practice being kind!

 

 

Benefits of kindness

Kindness can be good for a child’s overall well being. It can help them build self confidence, create lasting impressions and friendships, and develop their moral character.

Some studies have shown that kind children can:

• build self esteem skills
• be more optimistic and happy
• be more accepting of others

Kindness may also help decrease:

• depression
• stress
• anxiety

 

Related post: 15 Montessori parenting books parents of young children should read

 

What can children learn from being kind?

Children can learn many character building traits from being kind.

They can learn:

• Kindness

~the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate

The act of kindness starts from positive modeling and interactions from parents and educators. Tips on teaching children to be kind starts with the early modeling of such behaviors.

To teach children KINDNESS:
-show them how to politely greet family members, friends and teachers
-give smiles often; a simple gesture, but smiles go a long way
-teach them to help others clean up spills or messes
-teach them encouraging/positive language
-demonstrate love and affection towards others and living beings (pets & plants)

 

• Gratitude

~the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness

Gratitude plays an important part in raising kind children. It teaches them to appreciate who and what they have in their lives, laying the foundation for a genuine love of others!

To teach children GRATITUDE:
-have them make gratitude messages/notes/drawings for others
-have them jot down ideas & thoughts in a gratitude journal
-ask them who and what they are grateful for
-encourage them to do something nice for someone they are grateful for
-practice being kind, empathetic and compassionate

 

• Mindfulness

~being aware of the present, while consciously acknowledging your thoughts, feelings, and body

The great thing about mindfulness is that it can be the smallest activity and gesture; as long as you are consciously taking that time to reflect.

To teach children MINDFULNESS:
-go on mindful walks; take notice of what’s around you, the sounds you hear, the way you feel
-practice mindful breathing
-do yoga as a family
-start a non religious meditation practice
-practice being kind, empathetic, compassionate and grateful

 

 

• Empathy

~the ability to understand and share the feelings of another

The act of teaching children to be empathetic towards others can be challenging at first considering most young children go through an egocentric stage. Talking through feelings and emotions will help children begin to understand empathy more.

To teach children EMPATHY:
-encourage them to play with children who may not have many friends
-discuss different scenarios and how the outcomes make them feel
-teach them to use nice words when talking with friends (no name calling)
-encourage them to help friends who are sad or hurt
-practice being a kind person

 

• Compassion

~feeling concern for the misfortunes of others

Compassion and Empathy often get intertwined. They both focus on understanding the feelings of others, but compassion is centered around the desire to help in some way. The act of helping others in need set compassion apart from empathy.

To teach children COMPASSION:
-encourage them to make cards, pictures for friends when they are sad, hurt or sick
-have them choose and donate a few of their unused toys to those in need
-have them participate in a charitable event (jumpathon, walkathon, etc)
-have them pick out pet toys from a store and donate them to a shelter
-practice being kind and empathetic

 

Children also learn generosity and thoughtfulness by practicing kindness.

• Generosity – including a willingness to give of one’s time or gifts
• Thoughtfulness – thinking about others and being thoughtful

 

Related post: The best mindful activities to help your child develop self regulation skills

 

Ways to raise kind kids

1. Model positive, kind behaviors

Modeling is a Montessori concept that educators use throughout the environment. As a parents, it’s not only important what we say, but it’s equally important as to what we do. Being a role model for your child and showing them how to be kind to others is key to your child becoming a kind person.

2. Encourage emotional connections with others

Help your child to forge an emotional connection with others you trust. A big part of being a kind person stems from understanding and recognizing our emotions. Social emotional learning is a major part of a child’s development, and is key in them developing good character traits.

2. Help your child develop positive peer relationships

Help your child develop accepting, helpful and cooperative behaviors to aid in the improvement of their social interactions and relationships with others; especially their peers. Help your child balance their own needs with the needs of others and recognize their positive efforts by praising them when they do good deeds and are kind to others! Encouragement and praise goes a long way!

Kindness resources

I’ve compiled this list of helpful resource books for you and your child. The children’s books are good for you to share with your child examples of how to be kind.

The parenting books are a great way for you pick up tips and tools to help develop a strategy on introducing kindness activities, ideas, and tips. They are also a great way to help get the conversation started on the subject.

 

Children’s Books on Kindness

1. The Magic of Kindness

Help your child learn the most valuable life skill of kindness. With great examples and illustrations, this book helps your child to be kinder, to have more understanding for others, and to show more empathy.

 

2. It’s Brave to be Kind

Children will be able to practice being kinder every day with simple and fun activities you won’t find in other kindness books for children.

 

3. Kindness Starts with You

This book shows children that no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted!

 

4. I Like to Be Kind

A fun and cheerful story that inspires children to do good deeds. Children will learn what kindness is and how any kind act, big or small, can make us happier.

 

5. ABCs of Kindness

From A to Z, this diverse cast of children show everyday acts of kindness and generosity!

 

6. Be Kind

A sweet and thoughtful book about kindness. It shows young children how to act with thoughtfulness, civility, and kindness with just two simple words.

 

7. Share a Little Kindness

With themes such as tolerance, diversity, active listening, and owning your own truth woven in, this is truly a book of life lessons and empowerment for children of all ages… and adults too!

 

8. Kindness Makes Me Stronger

This kids book about kindness is filled with colorful illustrations and charming rhymes.

 

9. Kindness is My Superpower

This charming story with peaceful rhymes and colorful illustrations will explain to your child that it is okay to make a mistake and say I’m sorry.

 

10. The Little Book of Kindness

This book provides a gentle reminder to young readers that every kind act-no matter how small-makes a BIG difference.

 

Related post: Montessori Tidbits Part 3: Grace & Courtesy-Teaching children manners

 

Parenting books to teach Kindness

1. Raising Good Humans

You’ll find powerful and practical strategies to break free from “reactive parenting” habits and raise kind, cooperative, and confident kids.

 

2. How to Raise Kind Kids

This book provides practical tips and vital tools parents need to bring peace and foster cooperation at home.

 

3. Teaching Kids to Be Kind

This book provides 365 inspiring strategies to help children and families practice kindness every day of the year!

 

4. Kindfident

This examines two main traits – kindness and confidence, and how they need to be inextricably linked to create individuals that care not only about themselves, but for others and for the world around them.

 

5. The Mindful Child

Fun and friendly techniques to help parents guide children to become more thoughtful, kind, resilient, and empathetic.

 

What to take from this

The most important takeaway from this is to start the conversation about being kind with your children. Talking with them often about their day and friendships will open the door for you to share tips needed for them to develop conflict resolution tools, make positive connections, and develop the character traits that will lead them to grow up to be kind humans!

 

 

What ways have you taught your child to be kind? Please share your tips in the comments for other parents to use as a resource!

 

Be kind,

Anitra J.