Are you raising Kind Kids?

Have you ever noticed the inquisitiveness of a child, when they see needy and homeless people? They might not be able to see a school book right beside them, but they often spot people and even stray animals in need. Well, I have realized that multiple times. We might miss it out, but kids have an amazing power of observation.

To compliment, they have tender hearts and are always wanting to help. Mama, why is this child in such a desperate condition, don’t they have food to eat? Where are their toys? Where do they live? Why is this man wearing black glasses and is walking with a stick? 

I have answered these questions asked by my son and have tried to help people in need in the right ways. Children have this quality of being caring and kind innately. Today, this beautiful attribute can get easily lost in the conundrum of achieving life’s goals, and hence nurturing Kindness, needs to be practiced daily. Let me re-emphasize, daily and not occasionally! The best way to nurture Kindness is by “doing it”. 

As we grow, life throws unexpected challenges, and those are the moments that reframe our mindset. Helping others can be really hard at times when we are stuck with our own dilemmas. I have experienced this feeling, as I was growing and this is the reason today, I advocate that Kindness is an act, which you need to do daily, in any of its forms.

5 simple ways : Raisig Kind Kids 

1. Being a Role Model:

Children imitate, right? When they encounter a similar situation, their reaction is usually copying the same thing that they have seen. Did you know about Mirror Neurons? Quite a recent discovery, they respond to the actions that we observe in others and they are responsible for imitation behavior. Thus, we have an important responsibility in nurturing Kindness in kids. 

Well, we can’t be perfect all the time, so start with accepting our own flaws. Be kind to your own kids, respect their thoughts and listen to them. Work as a team, when at the house. 

• Get kids involved in household chores, try to help your neighbors (maybe by bringing their kid back from school, while you’re going to bring yours, during the times of distress). 
• Try to help needy people/children in the form of clothes, food, blankets during winters. Help an elderly cross the road. If possible, try to educate one needy child in life.
• Be Kind in your words and thoughts towards the elders at home. Kids observe and that’s how they learn!
• Discuss with your child about the caring and uncaring acts that they see on their iPads, television.
• Show kids how to step out of their comfort zone. Helping the loved ones is easy, but step outside and show them how to help someone outside their small circle. May be helping a new kid during class or playtime.
• Show them that even guards, maids, bus drivers, need respect. Talk to our helpers softly, give them respect and help them in the smallest possible ways. 
• Show them certain hardships that life throws towards many kids. Make them feel blessed and show gratitude towards the life they have.

2. Read Stories of Kindness:

Watch out this beautiful animated story: A Joy Story

In your bookshelf, include storybooks that reflect on Kindness, compassion. Stories are a powerful tool to influence kids, inculcate and Nurture the good reads. 

Here are some storybook suggestions:

• The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving: This cute little book, available on Amazon  , helps sibling bears to realize how the extra money saved can give them the real joy by helping the needy. 
• Bear Feels Sick: Available here, this storybook, reels around an ailing bear, who wants to play with his Jungle friends, but is not able to play. How his friends help him recover is something kids would love to read.
• An Awesome Book of Thanks: Go ahead and get this timeless classic story, which comes as a reminder for us too. 

Check out more storybooks teaching these virtues here

3. Opt for Volunteering work: 

Volunteer to feed and love stray dogs and cats, volunteer in shelter groups, rescue groups, environmental groups. These acts of volunteering help kids sense that we live in a good world. Even a small act as volunteering for cleaning the community park will create an impact. 

These small acts will start right from home and have a lasting impact on kids.

4. Appreciate and Compliment:

Kindness begins with a smile, begin the day by sending kind thoughts to someone kids love. Speak out with kids to whomsoever you are sending prayers (for health, happiness) for the day. Appreciate your kids for the good deeds they do. Make it a habit to give at least one compliment to any person you meet. Think of the positives in that person, and simply compliment them. It can be as small as, you look beautiful today. Such a mindful attitude will help kids understand the power of appreciating things.

5. Respect the Mother Earth:

• Let them learn “Not to litter” our parks and roads. Incase something drops or even if you find something littered, make it a point to pick it up and throw it in the bins installed. It is always good to care for Mother Earth. 
• Emphasize on the basic 3 R’s of Reduce, recycle, and Reuse. 
• Teach kids the basics of saving water and electricity. 
• Take them to farms and show them how the end food comes from. 
• Grow Plants and allow them to care for their plants. Right from sowing to see the tiny plants sprouting to becoming big, is a beautiful process, which inculcates love, care in a Childs’s heart. 

Well, Kindness isn’t restricted to these many ways. There are ample ways, even cheering a friend is an act of Kindness. Kindness brings smiles on the faces of people, do that often and raise kind kids. Today, the world desperately needs Compassion, Gratitude, and Kindness. 

With Love,