In that brief instant, he realized he needed to make a conscious effort to teach his daughter kindness. Atul, like all of us, wanted his child to be polite and compassionate.
Children are prone to insults and taunts. The tough issue is that children understand that they should not be unkind to each other or anyone else, but they nevertheless make rude comments about others. That is why it is our obligation as adults to teach kids kindness.
Six Everyday Activities for Teaching Kindness to Children
Assist Children in Understanding Kindness
We frequently teach kindness to youngsters without defining what it implies. You can sit down with your child and make a chart of what kindness looks like, sounds like, feels like, and so on to help them comprehend different facets of kindness. Kindness, for example, looks like no arguing, sharing, or giving; kindness sounds like no nasty remarks; and kindness feels like happy, terrific, or great. When they are confused or overwhelmed, they will have something to fall back on. Place this chart in their bedroom where they may quickly access it.
Positive Attention Can Promote Kindness
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective techniques to cultivate kindness. Recognize your child's tiniest gestures of generosity, such as bringing you a glass of water. Reward good behavior with a grin or a hug! Children need their parents' attention, and if they receive it, they are more likely to repeat the deed.
Show Children Kindness
Children are natural observers. They may not always pay attention to you, but they do copy you. Begin by being polite and respectful to your child and those around you. Discuss with your youngster why you practice compassion. Assist youngsters in understanding the influence their actions have on others.
Teach Your Children How To React To Rudeness
Children are frequently unpleasant because they do not know how to respond to bad behavior. Instead of striking out, teach kids how to process the nastiness around them. The attendant, for example, must have had a difficult day. Maybe that's why he was so cruel to us. Teach them not to take rudeness personally and ask them to set a good example. Children should understand how to respond to rudeness without becoming disrespectful themselves. They could say something like, "I get upset when you use mean words around me." Could you put it in nicer terms?"
Give Practice With Children
Children, like anything else, improve their ability to be nice with practice. There are several approaches to this. Make a list of nice things your child could do and ask them to do one act of kindness every day, such as holding the door open. Create opportunities for the kids to demonstrate kindness. These will help kids understand how vital it is to be kind even if it goes undetected. It will reinforce the practice of compassion.
Encourage your kids to keep a gratitude journal.
Request that your children keep a thankfulness diary in which they write down what they are grateful for each day. It will help kids realize the wealth of generosity in their surroundings. Initially, assist them and encourage them to focus on people and experiences rather than objects. If they are unable to find words or if you have smaller children who cannot write, ask them to doodle or scribble. Every day, before supper, talk about it. It will allow you to gradually instill kindness.
It is not difficult to be kind. It only takes a little forethought. Most children find it easy to be empathetic and nice. But there will be times when they struggle to be nice; it is our obligation to guide them in the correct way by having meaningful talks. The only thing to keep in mind is that kindness begins at home.
