All parents want to teach kindness to our kids, right? We want them to grow up to be empathetic, good, honest, upstanding citizens. However, that doesn’t just happen. They don’t automatically lean towards kindness. We can help them though.
I have made a concrete goal of doing things to teach kindness to my four kids. It’s hard though. I have to constantly remind them how privileged they are, how important it is to celebrate differences, and to think of others before themselves. Honestly, those are goals I am continually working on myself! On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, this is the perfect time to focus on it. Check out 3 ways to teach kindness that I have found to work.
3 Ways To Teach Kindness to Kids
1. Model empathy.
I know, I know. It stinks sometimes but our kids watch what we do more than what we say. If you want them to empathetic, you have to show them that. This might mean that they go with you to bring a meal to a sick friend. Or, perhaps you include them when you make your next Goodwill donation. No matter the age of your kids, talk to them about what you’re doing when you’re doing something for others. They’ll pick it up!
2. Take advantage of service opportunities.
You don’t have to figure everything out by yourself! There are service opportunities that your family can take advantage of. For example, this is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend. Instead of spending time doing something for yourself why not spend part of the time giving back to others? There are volunteer opportunities for kids of ALL ages. Keep it simple and make it fun!
Whether it’s participating in a local food drive, sending a handwritten card to a loved one or sharing a toy at school, one good deed can make a world of difference.
Click here for some options for MLK Day service activities in Atlanta.
3. Reward kindness.
Catch your kids doing good things you guys! I have challenged myself to do this more. So often, I just focus on the things they do wrong, but what about what they do right? Maybe it’s buying a DVD they have been wanting, or stopping for ice cream on the way home from school. Recognizing the small kindness they do for others is just so important.
Look for ways to praise your kids for the big and small things they do. Every time they share a toy or include a friend in a game or say something nice to their siblings, celebrate! Remember, kindness is contagious.
