TEACHING KINDNESS: 4 SIMPLE WAYS CHILDREN CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

#1 SMILE AT PEOPLE

Too many people go through their days with too few smiles. Teach children to smile at people and say hi. Honestly, my kids are shy and this is a big work in progress for us, but they are learning.

#2 INCLUDE EVERYONE

While there are several reasons that my kids get along so well, this family rule helps a lot. I am also trying to teach them to do this at school with classmates. As I already mentioned in #1, my children tend to be shy and fairly introverted, and so this can be hard for them. At the same time, our move from Massachusetts to California means that they understand what it’s like to be the new kid.

#3 BE A LISTENER

Sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is to be there and listen. I try to model that with my children, but this is something I am still very much working on. Actually, I’m still very much working on everything on this list!

#4 DO SMALL THINGS TO SHOW YOU CARE

There are so many easy ways children can show someone that they care about them. Here are a few to get you started:

• Mail a picture or letter.
• Make a simple gift.
• Give a hug to someone you love.
• Look for ways to be a helper. Hold open a door, or pick up a toy that a baby drops. Offer to read a story to a younger child.
• Tell someone something specific that you like about them.

*PUBLISHED BY : ALIASAHARUDDIN