A lot of people think that, if you want to succeed in life, you have to be hard-hearted and ruthless, doing whatever it takes to get to the top, but this really is not the case. Being a genuinely kind and caring person can take you just as far, if not further, than those ruthless types because when you are well-liked and known to be a good person, people just want to be around you and help you out in any way you can.
That is why, it is always a good idea to encourage your kids to be as kind as they can. So, while you’re busy teaching them their ABCs, don’t forget to teach them about kindness too! Here’s how:
1. Be an Amazing Role Model
You can hardly expect your kids to practice kindness in their daily lives if they do not see you showing much kindness to your friends, neighbors, colleagues, and even to them. So, first and foremost, practice what you preach, think before you speak and act, and try to be the kindest role model you possibly can.
2. Preschool Pals
Sending your kids to preschool is a really good way to help them learn kindness towards their peers. In the realm of crayons, games, and storytimes, kids learn to share, care, and play fair really quickly. They learn that other kids are just as important as they are, and of course, they make friends and when they have good friends, they naturally want to share and be kind to them. They will naturally naturally grasp the concept of friendship, cooperation, and kindness. Learning about feelings, empathy, and sharing are all part of the preschool package, setting a solid foundation for a lifetime of kindness and connections.
3. Kindness Crafts
If you want your kids to be kind, then why not try crafting with a twist? Engage your kids in making “Kindness Rocks,” friendship bracelets, or thank-you cards that they can share with the people around them and when they see how much joy a simple act of kindness can bring, they will be hooked on being kind whenever they can. So, they can have fun. Exercise their creative muscles, and learn the joys of empathy and kindness in one fell swoop!
4. Chit-Chat about Feelings
Conversation time! Regularly talk to your kids about feelings – theirs and others. Helping them identify and express their emotions is a stepping stone to developing empathy, a key component of kindness.
5. Pets and Plants
Giving your child something to love and nurture will always breed kindness. So whether it is a family dog or a simple pot plant, give them something to care for and help them to do so, and their kindness will bloom.
As you can see, teaching your kids kindness is actually pretty simple, and it will be really rewarding for you to watch your child bloom into an amazing little person who everyone loves, and who is always willing to help out and have fun. So, what are you waiting for?
What do you think?