Call it what you like: affection, generosity, warmth, gentleness. If there is one lesson you want to teach your children, it should be the importance of demonstrating kindness to others. Here are a few simple ways to help your children learn the art of kindness from you.
Pay it forward. Share a good deed by blessing a stranger who is not expecting it. This does not have to be elaborate. Have you ever stepped in and helped a stranger? Have you ever purchased the meal of the person behind you in the drive-thru line? Show your children the many opportunities to show kindness to other people. Show them the magic of anonymously helping other people in need.
Serve others. Your family can support and serve community organizations that help those in need. Respond to food, clothing and book drives at your child’s school. Buy a second holiday ham or turkey and donate it to the food bank. Help your children learn how to serve others and develop a lifelong habit of helping others.
Help them realize what they have. Children often view the world with rose-colored glasses, unaware that others are not as fortunate. Spend some time researching poverty levels in surrounding communities. Show them news articles about people in need. Brainstorm ways to help those in need in your area and then put your plan into action.
Visit a nursing home or children’s hospital. Make handmade cards and visit the local nursing home. A simple visit with a child can brighten anyone’s day. Your child can see firsthand how their actions and assistance can have a profound effect on others. If you have a local children’s hospital, hold a book drive or toy drive and personally take the items to the hospital. This will not only make someone’s day but will give your child the satisfaction of knowing that they helped others.
Help children see life from the perspective of others. Many children don’t have a good understanding of the challenges and struggles of others. Homeless people. Hungry families. A single mother. An elderly neighbor who is living alone and grieving the loss of a spouse. With the help of your children, find ways to help others in your family, neighborhood and community who may need assistance and/or encouragement.
Teaching your children the importance of being kind is a lesson they can take with them on their journey throughout life.