Kindness is free. Sprinkle it everywhere.
— Unknown
Kindness is a language of love that every child must know to speak. Kindness is an important attribute that you can instil in your child from a young age. This is because kindness can help your children to be caring, compassionate and empathetic human beings.
There are various ways to teach your child to be kind:
1. Explain Kindness in Simple Words
The best way to explain kindness is to tell your children that it is a good deed you can do for others to help them or make them happy. A kind person is generous and friendly by nature. Let your children know that kindness makes the world a happy and peaceful place.
2. Show by Actions
Children learn by observing. Hence, show your children how to do an act of kindness. Model the behaviour yourself. A few of the things you could do are:
• Feed the poor
• Help a family member or neighbour with a chore
• Compliment someone
• Donate unused/old toys, stationery and clothes
• Hold the door open for an elderly or a parent with a baby
• Thank the maid for their support
3. Read Books on Kindness
Read aloud books on kindness to your children. You can even conduct a fun storytelling session. A few book recommendations are:
• The Seeds of Compassion: Lessons from the Life and Teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
• ABCs of Kindness
• Be Kind
• Big Words for Little People: Kindness
• I am Kind
4. Treat your Child with Respect
Kindness is not just about giving. It is always about respecting the other person and showing that you value your relationship with them. Treat your child with respect so that they consider it as a natural thing to do when they are in the company of other people.
5. Talk About the ‘Pay It Forward’ Movement
‘Pay It Forward’ is a worldwide movement that encourages people to show kindness to someone with random acts. According to this movement, when someone has been kind to you, do something kind for someone else. It could be someone you know or a stranger.
There are several inspiring videos on YouTube about kindness. One of the most famous videos you can show to your kids is by LifevestInside. Click here to watch it.
Kindness might not come naturally to your children. They may require time and your patience to cultivate it. Eventually, they will learn kindness as long as you continue to encourage them to do kind acts.
