World Kindness Day is an international observance celebrated on November 13th. The World Kindness Movement describes the purpose of this day being "to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us."
This holiday is a great opportunity to be the change we wish to see, as well as teach our children how even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. To celebrate World Kindness Day, here are 5 tips to help teach kindness to your child.
1. Encourage teamwork at home
Household chores like folding laundry, doing the dishes or cleaning up toys are perfect opportunities to teach your child the importance of teamwork. Learning to be a team player will help your child master essential skills such as communication, respect for others and compromise. Give your child ample praise when they make an effort to cooperate with household chores.
2. Make note of small acts of kindness
Point out any small acts of kindness you see. Whether it's someone holding open a door or a heartwarming story you see in the news, point out the good things happening in the world. This will make your child feel better about the world, and further inspire them to make a difference with kindness too!
3. Make the world a better place
One of the best ways to teach your child kindness is to be kind to the world we call home! Teach your child how each of us play a very important role in making the world around us healthier for everyone. Encourage good habits like recycling and avoiding littering. This will encourage your child to become a role citizen that empathizes with the world around them and all those who inhabit it.
4. Talk about others' feelings
Have your child put themselves in someone else's shoes and encourage them think about how someone might be feeling in a situation. Get your child to practice asking themselves questions like "How would I feel if that happened to me." Being able to consider someone else's perspective will help your child learn empathy, social and communication skills.
5. Give thanks
Last but not least, celebrate the season of gratitude! Encourage your child to thank your mail person or delivery driver. At dinner, express what you are thankful for and ask everyone to do the same. Practicing gratitude teaches children to appreciate the people that make all the good they experience in life possible.
Every day is filled with opportunities to help our kids practice kindness. This World Kindness Day, focus on showing your child how they can make the world a better place with acts of kindness both big and small!