We often regard kindness as more of a trait than a skill – but why can’t it be both? If you’re stuck wondering how to teach your child kindness, don’t panic because we’ve listed our 3 favourite ways to encourage kindness and generosity. And if that wasn’t enough, we’ve listed a whole bunch of random acts of kindness for you to try out too!
So, in the spirit of kindness week, here are our favourite ways to teach children kindness:
1. Lead by example
From their first words to their first steps – many of the skills our children develop are learned by observing others. So, if you’re wondering how to teach your child kindness, don’t worry! All you have to do is lead by example.
By regularly performing random acts of kindness, your child can witness the joy and positivity you can bring to others and undoubtedly follow in your footsteps. After all, kindness is contagious!
2. Praise acts of kindness
Positive reinforcement is a tried and tested teaching method – even for teaching kindness. So each time your child performs an act of kindness, praise them for their selflessness. Not only will it encourage them to continue being kind to others, but limiting these rewards to verbal praise will also promote kindness for kindness sake.
3. Practise, practise, practise
Repetition is the key to mastering any skill – so why not do the same when teaching your child kindness? Practise performing random acts of kindness together! Soon, paying compliments and smiling at others will become a simple, sweet habit.
30 random acts of kindness
If you’re looking for some specific examples for how to teach your child kindness, here are 30 random acts of kindness you can do together to encourage generosity and selflessness:
- Pay someone a compliment
- Help tidy up
- Donate to a charity
- Write someone a kind note
- Give someone a hug
- Help pick up litter
- Bake for a friend
- Carry a neighbours shopping
- Smile at a stranger
- Call a friend or relative
- Hold the door open for somebody
- Draw someone a picture
- Invite others to play with you
- Offer to make somebody a drink
- Make your bed without being asked
- Let someone go ahead of you in a queue
- Say hello to a stranger
- Thank your teachers
- Donate old clothes and toys
- Send flowers to a relative
- Buy groceries for an elderly person
- Tell someone you love them
- Share your snacks with someone
- Tell somebody your favourite things about them
- Donate to a food bank
- Feed the birds/ducks
- Buy someone a gift with your pocket money
- Write somebody a card
- Lend a friend your favourite toy/book
- Recycle any household plastics
So there you have it – 3 methods and 30 different ways to demonstrate how to teach your child kindness. We hope they have inspired you just as much as they have inspired your children. And remember, kindness isn’t always about big gestures and expensive gifts – it’s about the small, thoughtful actions we perform each day.
At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.