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The Benefits of Kindness For Kids: Taking a Closer Look

Jordan N. — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 14:52:49 +0000

Teaching Kindness and Its Benefits What are the significant benefits of showing kindness? Does kindness impact kids’ well-being? Does it even matter? What makes it beneficial to kids? Kids can experience tremendous benefits when practicing kindness. Due to kindness being teachable – it calls for the prime behavior to be taught. From an early age, kids can slowly learn how to be kind through their hands-on experience and daily interactions with everyone. We all know that kindness is rooted in the value of empathy. Being able to extend help or show compassion without expecting anything in return. The act of discerning another person’s feelings and acting on them in a meaningful way for the benefit of others. In parenting kids, we encourage purposeful loving-kindness in everything that they do and say every day. Likewise, with younger kids, even if they already grasp the concept and importance of kindness, nudging is still required most of the time. As parents, we want what’s best for our kids and commit to providing the best possible upbringing. Naturally, we look for different ways to help our kids be the best they could be. For the same reason, that kindness is considered the top core value that parents desire for their kids. But definition aside, what does kindness do to kids? Teaching kindness to kids can promote a positive impact on their growth and daily interactions. Besides being manifested not only in their personal connections to others but most importantly also kindness makes them healthier. We will focus on the advantages of kindness when observed by kids. Important to note: Based upon the kids’ age groups, you can adjust how to explain the gains of kindness. As for the young ones, use simple, relatable words. In-depth explanations for the older kids are favorable. They’ll be more open to learning and applying it in life after knowing the science of kindness. Adding the lessons on kindness, emphasizing the benefits, will solidify the overall importance of kindness. Then, let’s find out how kindness benefits your kids. 1. Increases Happiness and Improves Mood The more kids show kindness, the better they feel. Kindness begets happy feelings. Science shows that kindness does affect a kid’s physical and psychological health. When kids practice kindness, the brain emits a chemical – the serotonin hormone. This particular hormone enhances the person’s overall wellbeing and happiness. As stated in Mayo Clinic Health System, “Being kind boosts serotonin and dopamine, which are chemicals in the brain that give you feelings of satisfaction and well-being, and cause the pleasure/reward centers in your brain to light up.” 2. Better Health for Kids Being kind makes kids feel good about themselves and having such positive emotions can lead to balanced health. Additionally, as kindness is exhibited, another hormone is released in the body called Oxytocin. Oxytocin helps increase feelings of security and safety for kids. When kids feel safe and secure, they develop positive emotions. Thereby aiding in decreasing stress and anxiety among kids and subsequently supporting the mental health of kids. Kindness also promotes a better immune system and improves heart health in kids. In general, when people witness an act of kindness, the body releases the same hormone (Oxytocin). This particular hormone releases a chemical called nitric oxide that helps lower blood pressure in people. 3. Builds connections Kind kids are most likely to experience solid relationships among others. People are drawn to kind persons. New relationships are forged among kind kids. When it comes to school, kids have a more broad circle due to peers able to relate well with them. Kindness bridges peer acceptance. According to this study by Layous, K and et al; (2012 December). Kindness Counts. Journal, Plos One. “Students were instructed to perform three acts of kindness versus to visit three places.” “ Students who performed kind acts experienced significantly bigger increases in peer acceptance (or sociometric popularity) than students who visited places. Increasing peer acceptance is a critical goal, as it is related to a variety of important academic and social outcomes for kids, including reduced likelihood of being bullied.” 4. A Confidence Booster Kids develop a sense of purpose and at the same time boost their self-esteem. We often see in kids when they know they can affect other people in a good way, kids do more of the same behavior. Kids feel good knowing they’re able to help someone who is down or in need. Seeing that confidence in them makes any parent feel honored. Kids are more likely to succeed better in all aspects of their lives. 5. Decreases negative feelings – as a vital benefit of kindness Kids can be stressed out at school or at home. Practicing kindness helps them regulate feelings of helplessness or depression. After acts of kindness are shown, kids can experience a sense of gratitude towards themselves. They see the impact of their actions, and it helps them identify self-worth. As kids start to practice mindfulness, kind acts through caring for themselves can lead to a calmer and happier life. 6. Improves Thinking Ability The brain works well to function daily. But when bombarded by the stress hormone (Cortisol) – nothing good can come out of it. Kids will have difficulty concentrating in school and will have a more negative outlook. The ability to concentrate and focus on tasks can get overwhelming to a kid. The brain will require more energy to do its job. Moreover, as kids perform acts of kindness, they feel energized and motivated. We look to the advantage of kindness to boost energy as a favorable effect on brain function. It allows kids to perform well in school by gaining more focus, improving attention span, and promoting creative thinking. 7. The Influence of Kindness We all can agree that kindness to others is contagious. When kids purposefully practice kindness in their lives, they will see the rippling effect around them. The act itself can move people. Additionally, when kids witness an act of kindness, it has a unique effect of influencing their own behavior towards being kind to others. Therefore, more kindness is spread among the people close to him, his peers, and the entire community. The Benefits of Showing Kindness Knowing these benefits of kindness in kids, you’ll be able to recognize that what you’re teaching does matter. You can rest assured that kindness fosters wellness. The overall health benefits are high enough to be regarded as a priority for the well-being and happiness of your kid. Plus, the idea of paying it forward as kindness is given; the whole community can benefit from any acts of kindness today and in the future. The way our world is right now, we can all channel kindness in any way and for our kids to inherit the value of kindness through continued practice. Key Takeaways: ♥ Increases Happiness and Improves Mood ♦ Better Overall Health ♥ Decreases Negative Feelings ♦ Builds Connections and Fosters Influence For more reading on Kindness: 10 Basic Ways To Teach Kindness To Your Child If you like what you’re reading, please share this post on your social media. Follow me on PINTEREST.

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10 Basic Ways To Teach Kindness To Your Child (Even As Young As 3 years old)

Jordan N. — Wed, 26 May 2021 18:24:22 +0000

As parents, how can we teach a child kindness? How can we let them see the importance of empathy, compassion, and consideration? At what age do we start teaching kindness? The world right now has become a saddening, threatening environment, and people can be cruel sometimes. Honestly, it can be terrifying out there. How much more to a child. By teaching kindness, we contribute to make the world a better place, one step at a time. We can’t perfectly shield our children from matters of the real world. However, we can teach them how to live in a meaningful and purposeful way. So it all comes down to what and how we teach them at home, how they grasp the lesson, and how they exhibit it through their own ways. People, in general, aren’t born kind. Although we have the natural capacity to be, children need guidance learning this core value. We confidently try to instill this value in our children in any way we can today. To accomplish that, we have to define what kindness means and explain why it’s important to our children. Start early and use words that a child can understand. Why Kindness is a Key-Value? Its importance lies within the foundation that a child can be taught kindness. The child can learn empathy towards others. The one lesson that covers a lot. Kindness is giving oneself to help others without expecting anything in return. What’s more important than being of service to others? Of being considerate and thoughtful? Empathy can help promote kindness in your child. It is the main value for which kindness springs forth. A child develops empathy starting at home. Learning through feelings and emotional effects towards parents or siblings, he/she develops the ability to respond accordingly. It will take practice and guidance from you for a child to hone in on this core value. Once learned, it becomes part of who your child is. Moreover, it will help your child during social interactions with other children and adults. It can also mean building connections with others outside the home. According to the Parents Values Study in 2020; “We polled more than 1,000 moms and dads of young children to find out what they want for their kids today and tomorrow – and what hurdles they face in making that happen. Here are the surprising responses.” “73% of moms rank kindness as the quality they most hope to instill in their children—more than intelligence (51%) or a strong work ethic (51%).” Also, “50% of moms believe the most important task of parenthood is showing a child how to be compassionate and kind, placing these above kids learning to be their authentic selves (28%), becoming successful high achievers (16%), or possessing intelligence (6%). Only 38% believed that kindness was what their own parents felt was most important.” “76% of moms and 58% of dads believe today’s kids are less kind than those of past generations, pointing to bullying, too much tech, and entitlement as reasons for the shift.” Looking at those poll results, kindness takes the number one spot for what parents want for their children. Ways to Teach Kindness to your Child By far, this list includes the methods I’ve used and continue to use in helping my children learn kindness and show empathy. Lead by example. Parents need to model the behavior every day. Being kind and compassionate to yourself and others. Children learn through direct experiences. They learn how parents interact with other people and how parents interact with kids. Modeling kindness – you become mindful of your words and actions around and outside the home. Teaching this trait through living it every day is a concrete example for your child to witness. It doesn’t require perfection on your part to be able to show what kindness is all about. If you only preach and do not practice kindness, there’s no point in delving deeper. It will only confuse a child. The key to success in coaching kindness to a child is the utmost willingness of a parent to teach the behavior through communication, connections which are accompanied by heaps of patience. Be confident that your child is capable of Kindness. Children see kindness all around. In school, church, supermarket, park, hospitals, home, etc. Find an opportunity for a child to be kind. Your child needs to practice caring for others. He/she also needs to develop an attitude of gratitude for the kindness shown towards them. Believe that one way or another, your child will grasp the lesson of kindness and be able to exhibit it. Whenever an act of kindness is done, praise your child. Give positive feedback to encourage the behavior. As well as encourage her/him to be proud of the kind behavior and appreciate them showing kindness. Explore your child’s feelings. Parenting involves sitting down and exploring the emotions of a child. It can be started as early when a child is developmentally ready. Help your child express emotions with no judgment. Affirm your child’s feelings. Recognizing emotions is the first step in learning to be kind. When they know how they feel after a person does or says something, they’ll be able to take in the effects of their own actions and words to others. In return, they’ll learn they can also affect other people in their lives. A question for your child; how would you feel if it happened to you too? Telling your child to put himself in someone else’s shoes is one way to present the concept of understanding how someone feels in a given situation. The child’s answer can give you an indication of the progression of the daily lessons of kindness. As a parent, you can talk about your feelings. Have an open conversation with your children or a quick talk when something has happened. This invites them to talk freely and openly to you as well. Learning Kindness through Books and Movies. Reading books depicting kindness can open up learning and exploration on the topic. Read aloud with your toddler or do guide reading with your early readers. Watching a movie together that shows emphasis on kindness is another way to illuminate the subject. After each reading, or show allow open ended questions, and start summarizing the main points of the story/plot together. Take this opportunity to explore your child’s thoughts and feelings. Emphasize the lessons of being kind and empathetic. **As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post at no extra cost to you. Read more details on this disclosure.** ♦ Some books you can check out to read with your child: I Can Be Kind by Jessica Pippins I am Kind by Daniela Owen Kindness is my Superpower by Alicia Ortego To be inclusive of others. Teaching about differences and individuality. To show respect for a person’s uniqueness and culture. We live in a diverse world, and for a child to accept that, it’s easier to impart the lessons of being inclusive. We kindly broaden our circle. Being inclusive isn’t only for pursuant of moral obligation but also the improvement of our lives. Additionally, it helps to bridge connections and solidify relationships. It is reaching out to people without judgment. ♦ The bullying experience. Particularly, bullying has been a long-time matter on school grounds. Bullying doesn’t only happen in middle school, high school, or elementary. It also happens in early school. Yes, young children in the early formative years are exposed to it as well. A preschooler being picked on by the same child due to the color of her hair. A kindergartner getting out of the bus with a sad face because a group of children made fun of him every day. These situations can happen or so much more. According to American Psychological Association, “Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power or strength. It is a repeated behavior and can be physical, verbal, or relational.” Knowing what bullying means can help them understand what it is and discourages the behavior. Help your child learn methods to handle bullying and support her/him at home. Being a victim of bullying can awfully scar a child. Furthermore, a child’s mental health is at risk when repetitive bullying is experienced. Yes, some children show resilience to it, yet those children can also reach their breaking point. What about the ones with no adequate support? When bullying occurs in school, children are scared to take a stand. The fear of becoming the target or being excluded can affect how they interact with others. They need to know that they will have support when they stand up for others. Speaking up for others, that are bullied can bring about change. Extending kindness towards the ones who are hurt due to bullying can create lasting friendships in children. A gentle reminder every day to be kind goes a long way for the child to extend care and compassion to anyone. As a parent, you can also take on a major role in helping schools tackle bullying in general. Moreover, parents can partner with teachers in creating follow-through solutions with any bullying situation. Teach your child to do Acts of Kindness (to self and others). Finding the joy of helping others and the power to influence other people to do the same. A quick video about How to Change the World with Kindness by randomactsofkindness explains it in a short, simple way. Kindness to others can include siblings, parents, schoolmates, neighbors, relatives, or even strangers. Being innately kind doesn’t discriminate against anyone. When care is expressed, you give rise to caring. Kindness inspires genuine compassion and care. Learn to read people’s faces. There’s no better way to learn how to be kind than recognizing the feelings of others. People’s faces show a degree of affirmation of what they’re currently feeling. Playing takes a prime role in a child’s social development. Through play, this is an area where your child can naturally develop empathy and kindness. A window of teaching opportunity from the way a child plays with others and the way they respond to the emotions of everyone involved. When a child sees someone crying in the playground, it’s not expected of her/him to rush and comfort the other child. However, if she/he learned that showing concern and asking how the other child is can convey that she/he cares – that’s kindness. Also, when your child runs to you and asks why the other child in the playground is crying, he/she is trying to understand what the crying child is feeling. If you witnessed the scene that precipitated the situation, you have an edge to solidify the lesson by explaining to your child what happened and why the child might be feeling that way. Bonus, your child is feeling concerned towards the other child. Write notes of Kindness. Writing notes to other people is one way to teach kindness and thoughtfulness to your child. Sending someone a note of thanks, a letter of apology, words of encouragement, or a feel-better note. ♦ How to Make a Homemade Thank You Card: Gather the Materials: Card Stock Decorative Scissors Crayons Pencil Glue Stickers Double-ended Sharpie Pen Envelope (8.5 x 5.5 Inches) Cut the card stock into these dimensions: L 8″ x W 5.4″, using the special scissors (if not available, use a regular one) Fold the card stock in half; this will serve as your homemade card base. Cut another card stock paper with dimensions of L 7″ x W 4.5″. Next, duplicate it. Then paste one for the front of the card and one for the inside (where you write your special note). Decorate the card according to your liking or designs. Use the pencil to sketch a design idea. Trace it with a bold pen. Write your kindness note inside the card with the fine...

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