Teaching Kids to be Kind
In a world where meanness seems to be surrounding us and, therefore, our
children see too much of it, what can we do to raise kind kids?
The good thing to know is that
kindness can not only be modeled but also taught!
When we teach our children
social skills, we are teaching them the rules of behavior that we expect from
them, and they encompass treating others with kindness.
What does that mean? How do
children understand and interpret those rules? Well they understand that being
kind includes not using mean words, not making fun of others, no pushing or
hurting siblings, friends or anyone for that matter.
Those are the no-nos, but the positive
outcomes of being kind have to do with having empathy and helping someone, giving
compliments, being thoughtful, standing up for others and definitely using their
magic words and smiling and greeting those around them!
Being kind makes kids better
people and when they are adults, they will reap benefits from it because it is
a fundamental skill to have personal success. It allows them to work well with
groups (team work) and to care about the needs of others. It will help them in
such basic activities as knowing how to behave as a guest at a formal dinner,
when and how to write a thank you note and how to kill that job interview!
So as parents and educators,
lets devote some time to teaching kindness to the kids in our lives.
I end with a suggestion, if you have not read my book "Etiquette for the Kids in your Life" pick up a copy in Amazon. It provides you with time tested strategies to teach kindness and good manners to your kids.
