The world needs it now more than ever: kindness. But how do we teach our young people to be kind, to themselves and to others? We asked the dads of our Facebook community and they told us how they are doing it. So here’s how to teach kids to be kind, from the minds of some of the best dads we know!
How do you teach a kid to be kind?
Posted by Life of Dad on Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Brad Smith: By showing kindness. Our kids are a reflection of ourselves. If they see us being kind they will be kind. Kids are very smart and pick up on everything they see.
Dawn Nangle Honhera: By being kind to them. Many people forget that kids are people too. Be kind to others and your kids will automatically be kind to others as well. Kids will always do what their parents do no matter what the parents say. And if you catch your child being mean to someone, stop them and make them apologize. Then have a quiet conversation where you help your child feel how the other kid must’ve felt. Sometimes they need help learning how their actions make others feel.
Amy Tf: Task them with doing a kind deed for someone in secret so they learn the feeling that comes with doing good for others without expecting anything from them. You give them the reinforcement & be a good role model, too. Teach them to say excuse me when they bump into someone, speak directly to the waitress taking their order, hold the door for people, make eye contact, please & thank you, make cards, pray for people, etc.
Chris Dunn: Being kind unfortunately cannot be taught. It’s about the culture the child is raised in that decides the individual they will become. Set an example and ensure even the kindest actions are required and expected.
Froggie Hall: I show mine how to be polite, asking him to say please and thank you any chance I get. He’s only 2 but I explain why he should say it as well.
Tim Tschepl: Your child is a reflection of you. Physically, mentally, emotionally.
Jaime Lopez: From early on they learn by example and repetition. And as they get older to be accepting of differences.
Brian Lauzon: Kindness comes naturally. People are taught to be unkind.
Kyle Clements: Teach them to be humble.
Eric Martin: You don’t teach it, you show it.
How are you making sure your kids are growing up to be kind? Tell us on Facebook!
Flickr photo by Kate Ter Haar, used under Creative Commons license.