Do you struggle with how to begin teaching kids to be kind? It’s not quite the same as teaching them good manners, although it’s similar. This isn’t about “Thank You” and “Excuse Me.” This is something more intangible – how do you teach your child to be kind when there is no solid word, or phrase or pattern to give them.
Teaching Kids To Be Kind
How do you teach your child to be kind?
Being kind is not just a one-time act for anyone and it’s not always the same thing in different situations. Teaching kids to be kind means that you have to teach them:
- Empathy and Compassion
- Right and Wrong
- Fairness
- Decision-making skills
All of these factors come to play when your child acts either kindly or unkindly. Along with all these skills, modeling good behavior is a number one parenting goal. By modeling kindness, your child can begin to see it in action and learn how to be kind themselves. The results will be seeing your child exemplify a kind spirit toward others around them. For some parents, teaching kids kindness may also be a part of teaching them what compassion for other individuals is.
Here is what other moms have to say about teaching kids to be kind.
Advice and Stories from Real Moms
Random Acts of Kindness
I really liked the idea of doing something kind each day leading up to Christmas. I also thought this was a wonderful way to help instill the spirit of the season in my family. I didn’t want them to think Christmas is all about collecting toys. For my Christmas calendar, I only included items that school-aged children could do without help. An adult might have to step in to act as delivery driver or provide a stamp, but that’s it. – Corinne from Wondermom Wannabe
Download the free printable Random Acts of Kindness Calendar for Kids from Wondermom Wannabe
Teach by example
I think you have to teach by example. I am kind to my children, and in return, they have become very kind young ladies! – Lauren from Mom Home Guide
Books about Kindness
Harry The Happy Mouse: Teaching children to be kind to each other.What Does It Mean To Be Kind?Kindness Is Cooler, Mrs. RulerThe Kindness QuiltThe Berenstain Bears: Kindness Counts
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Model good behavior
We work on this through modeling kind behavior, providing social interaction with other children and by reading books that promote kindness. A grumpy toddler can still be unkind, though. – Donella from Gluesticks and Gumdrops
They will mimic you
Your kids mimic you. If you’re kind, they’ll see that. – Albion from AlbionGould.com
They learn by example
Children learn by example. When “you” come out of your child’s mouth, you’ll realize how important your example is. Be kind, tell them to be kind, show them what kindness is. – Valerie from Occasionally Crafty
Lead by example
I think that the most important thing is to lead by example, by being kind to them as well as people that you encounter through the day. – Nikki from Play Learn Every Day
Thank you, Moms!
Teaching kids kindness, love, compassion, integrity and all of those other virtues of good character is one of the most important things we can do as parents. Teaching kids virtues like kindness is truly all about sharing great examples in your own life, doing kind things in front of them and helping them to become compassionate for others needs.
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It can take a lot of patience to teach kindness, especially between siblings during summer vacation 🙂 Thanks for all of the good advice!
That is so true! Have a great summer!
Yes, teaching my example even tho it takes A LOT of effort is so worth it, because kids are always watching! Thanks for sharing on Sunday FUNday! Hope to see you again at this weekend’s party. xo
Here from Home Matters Party
All these are great!
Sounds like teaching by example wins! It drives me nuts when my boys pick at each other, but it’s also easy when they’re arguing to forget that they’re often very kind to each other too. Life is crazy!
What a great post. I am babysitting my 6yo granddaughter this summer and working with her on being kinder to ther 3yo brother and the pets. Some good tips. Lead by example is the best one. 🙂
Lots of opportunity teaching kindness between siblings–at least when you have a 6-year-old and a 4-year-old who love to antagonize each other! 🙂 Good to keep all these things in mind though, because they are so impressionable at this age.
What a great post, I agree that a big part of it comes from how they see you acting. Kids are always watching and listening, even if you think they arent!
They certainly are! We pay attention more to the negative things like being careful not to say bad words but they see the good things too!