Kindness is a skill that can be developed and nurtured, given a strong model. Here are steps for parents to follow when teaching their child about kindness and how to be a supportive friend. It may be beneficial to have this discussion with your child before the upcoming school year.
1. Modeling Kindness: Demonstrate respectful and kind behavior in your own interactions, as children often learn by example
2. Teaching Empathy: Help your child understand and recognize others’ feelings through discussions and role-playing scenarios
3. Encouraging Positive Interactions: Provide opportunities for children to practice kindness, such as helping others, sharing, and offering support
4. Reinforcing Good Behavior: Praise and acknowledge acts of kindness to reinforce positive social behavior
By integrating these practices into daily life, parents can foster a child’s ability to build and maintain meaningful friendships based on kindness and empathy.
Deborah Farmer Kris: https://www.pbs.org/