4 Ways To Raise Kind Kids
As sweet and adorable as kids naturally are, do not be surprised to find that certain virtues like kindness, compassion and empathy may have to be learned. While a quest for instant gratification may play a major factor, it is the duty of parents, caregivers and society to raise the consciousness of a child to kind behaviour and thoughtfulness.
Check below five strategies to raise moral, caring children:
READ ALSO: How 8-Year Old Callum Drew Showed Exemplary Kindness To Classmates Is Legendary
1. Make Caring For Others A Priority
As part of intentional parenting goals, raising a balanced kid is definitely on the list. Don’t say to your child; “The most important thing is that you are happy”, instead teach him to prioritise kindness.
Raise them to be happy but not at the expense of the well being and fair consideration of others, you can say “It is more important to be kind than be right”.
2. Be A Role Model
The age long narrative that kids learn by what they see, instead of what they are told is actually true. Volunteer to babysit a neighbour or relative’s child, or you could do some other noble gestures to people outside your family. Use kind words when addressing people who are in your employment and show a general leaning towards courtesy, your child will naturally pick up those traits.
3. Expose Them To Opportunities Where They Can Practice Kindness
Visit a orphanage or children’s hospital with your older kids (from age 6), they are able to offer help and register the lessons from the visit at that age. Have them go with gifts for the kids at the orphanage, maybe a handmade painting.
Let them hand over some of the groceries and encourage them to also have personal conversations with the children at the orphanage home.
4. Expand Their Circle
Loving a small circle of family and friends comes natural to most kids, but the world is a much bigger place and can use more kindness. Our challenge as parents is to help them show kindness outside their circle and towards people that they have no need of, for example, a new classmate, a child of different race or ethnicity or cultural background.