Kindness Is A Learned Behaviour - Are You Setting A Good Example?

In yesterday’s post, I shared how you can become a kindness leader and set an example within your communities. People have an innate desire to be kind, I believe. We also know that kindness is contagious. So, it makes sense that you can teach others to be kind by setting a good example yourself. This is especially true for children. Let’s look at some ways to teach kindness.

Show Them

One of the best and simplest ways is to model this behaviour by engaging in kind acts regularly. When children see you exhibiting generosity, they’ll naturally want to get in on the act. Go about your regular routine and be sure you’re continuing your practice of sharing good deeds. Your kids will surely see all that you do to put positivity out into the world. You’ll be instilling the value of kindness in them without even realizing it.

Have Conversations

Talk to your children about what you’re doing and why. Let them know the benefits that come from being generous and considerate toward your fellow humans. Be sure they understand why it’s important to you and why you believe so strongly in paying it forward. Not only is kindness a virtue; it’s a value that can be taught and shared. Children will want to adopt such values for themselves when they see how meaningful compassion is to you.

Make Plans

Sometimes even grownups can use a little direction when trying something new. This is definitely true for kids. So be sure to sit down and make some concrete plans when you want to encourage them to pursue acts of kindness. Give some examples of ways to be generous. You can go back and share some of the ideas we’ve talked about in past posts throughout this challenge. Be sure to get their input. Find out what’s important to them and what they feel comfortable doing. If starting out small works best for them, do that. Remember, acts of kindness don’t have to cost money or involve a great deal of time.

Encourage Them

Once you’ve got a plan, get started on it. However, don’t forget that there are lots of opportunities throughout your regular daily activities to spread good will. Give kids a nudge when you see a chance to do good. For example, you can whisper in your child’s ear a hint that grandma might be able to use some help with the dishes. Small reminders help them to begin looking for their own opportunities to give back.

Kindness can be a learned behaviour. I hope these suggestions help you to teach it to your kids and those around you.

What's the Difference Between

Anxiety & Panic Attacks?

Download our free printable workbook with writing prompts that will help you learn the difference between worrying & anxiety disorders, how to control your anxiety symptoms & how to speak to loved ones to get the help you need.