THE GIFT OF KINDNESS : HOW TO PRACTISE IT WITH CHILDREN

We have all heard the famous quote "In a world where you can be anything, be kind" and all wish to raise children to become kind human beings. How can we discuss this important topic with young ones and put it into practice?

Below you will find  : 

1 - Thoughts on how to explain the meaning of kindness and its importance to children

2 - A fun and easy kindness challenge to do as a family

3 - Inspiring quotes on kindness 

1 - The kindness process 

Developing the compassionate and positive virtue of kindness involves three steps : 

Experiencing kindness : To be able to give kindness, children must first receive it! "One cannot pour from an empty cup". Kindness comes naturally as a parent to their loved ones.

Acknowledging kindness : Whatever the age, we can all remember that happy, warm feeling within our hearts which comes from having been treated with kindness. Looking back at acts of kindness, recalling the emotions felt, giving words to them will help children to fully grasp its meaning. 

Practising kindness : Once that is understood, your little one will then be ready to offer kindness to others. Through experience they will learn that kindness blesses the receiver as much as the giver! Whilst kindness implies treating others with compassion and understanding without expecting anything in return, it creates a peaceful and loving atmosphere which benefits all. To fully integrate this, there is nothing better than practice.

2 - Kindness challenge 

To incorporate the practice of kindness into daily family life whilst taking into account busy schedules, we have created a 20 day kindness challenge. The aim is to develop this skill and allow it to become a natural habit.

Each day, a simple and easy to perform act of kindness is suggested. Requiring very little time or effort, it is accessible to all. The idea is for both parents and children to take part. Being accountable towards one another can be a form of encouragement.

Download the printable challenge below here, set a starting date and tick the box (one for adults, one for kids) at the end of each day if the challenge has been met. 

To go even further after having completed this first challenge, you may want to create your own one and come up with new ideas. You could also have a box with random acts of kindness to pick from within your home. Unleash your creativity and have fun during the process! There is no better way to learn than through joyful experiences.

3 - Inspiring quotes on kindness 

Use the kindness quotes below as much as you can! Treasure them in your heart, mention them in your discussions with others, print and frame them in your home, office or use they them as a phone and computer background. Share them on social media, in your facebook posts, Instagram captions or on Twitter.

"Kind hearts are the garden, kind thoughts are the roots, kind words are the blossoms, kind deeds are the fruit."

"Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver."

"Kindness is igniting a light in someone else for no reason other than to watch them enjoy the glow."

"What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?" 

"Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."

"Gentleness and kindness will make our homes a paradise upon earth."

"Kind words can be short and easy to say but their echoes are truly endless."

"A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles."

"Be the living expression of kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile!"

"A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees." 

"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness."

"Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change."

"Be kind. Scatter sunshine. Who knows whose life you might touch with something as simple as a gentle word."

Related articles for further reading :

Teaching children the power of gratitude

The five love languages of children 

All the illustrations in the kindness challenge are created by the talented artist Madeleine Hall, founder of Burlington Bear and the Charlotte and Burlington Club. You are welcome to join us.