Teaching kindness goes beyond just manners; it involves fostering a genuine concern for others and a willingness to help and support those in need.
It's doing what the average person wouldn't do; going above and beyond.
I have a great friend, mentor, coach, you name it, he's it-- But his goal this year is to give away $100 every day. And he is including his kiddos in that so they understand the message of kindness.
We can impact the world we touch in a manner that is respectful and kind regardless of who stands in front of us.
So what are you doing to teach your child kindness? Are you showing them with your own actions toward them? Or are you mean and fussy with people most of the time?
It's important to examine ourselves before we attempt to instill behaviors in others, especially our children.
As you consider how you want your child to act, be sure to consider how you act.
You can teach an old dog new tricks. So start from the beginning.
The K.I.S.S. ~ Start from the beginning!
Too often, we lead with the idea that we have to do what we have been doing. We get stuck in our ways and continue down the same path.
For your tree to grow, you have to prune it from the bottom up—that's caring for it from the foundation.
There's a time for everything and a season for every activity (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
'Tis the season to prune and build a strong foundation for your child to serve in their unique capacity.
Here are three specific strategies parents can implement to encourage kindness in their children and shape their understanding of what it truly means to be kind:
1. Imitate What You Want to See: Children learn through observation and imitation. By modeling acts of kindness and compassion in your own behavior, you are setting a powerful example for your children to follow. Whether it's helping a neighbor in need, volunteering in the community, or simply showing empathy toward others, your actions speak louder than words.
As parenting expert Kristianne Wargo wisely noted, "Children are like sponges; they absorb the world around them. By embodying the values of kindness and compassion ourselves, we are teaching our children to do the same."
2. Teach Your Child to Ask, "How are you feeling?": Empathy is at the core of kindness. Parents can nurture empathy in their children by encouraging them to consider the feelings and perspectives of others. This can be done through open communication, discussing emotions, and actively listening to their thoughts and concerns. Children develop a stronger sense of empathy towards others by fostering an understanding of different experiences and promoting compassion.
Research by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that children who have been raised to be empathetic are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, such as sharing, helping, and cooperating with others. Cultivating empathy in children is a key ingredient in shaping their kindness towards others.
3. Create a Gratitude Jar: Gratitude and generosity are essential to kindness. Parents can cultivate these qualities in their children by practicing gratitude rituals, such as keeping a gratitude jar or journal for expressing thanks for acts of kindness. Encouraging children to give back to their community through volunteering or acts of generosity also reinforces the importance of caring for others.
In the words of parenting author L.R. Knost, "It's not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It's our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless." By instilling values of gratitude and generosity, parents empower their children to make a positive impact on those around them.
In conclusion, raising kind children in a self-centered world requires intentionality, consistency, and a dedication to nurturing qualities of empathy, compassion, and generosity. By implementing these strategies and fostering a culture of kindness in the home, parents can equip their children with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the world with empathy and grace.
Remember, as Kristianne Wargo wisely puts it, "Kindness begins at home, but its ripple effect can change the world."
