When considering teaching and the act of kindness, it can sometimes seem extremely daunting.
The reality is that students and children love to see modeled behavior in front of them and then replicate the actions they have seen.
Research suggests that the act of kindness is something that can be introduced from four to five years of age. Prior to this, students may want to watch and see that their parents are acting with grace and courtesy, showing empathy to people who are hurt or compassion to those in need.
This modeled behavior is extremely important for students younger than four. However, beyond four years of age, a simple chart like the one attached here can help your whole family model the behavior of being kind and reflect on how it feels when kindness is all around us.
“So, who was kind today?” is a great question to have at the dinner table.
Our suggestion is to stick this tick chart up on the fridge or in the house, allowing everybody in the household to follow the same pattern of behavior while attempting to achieve all of these in one calendar week.
Asking questions such as, “How did it feel?” and “What are we doing collectively as a family to make the world a better place?” can be valuable.
These tangible activities can be removed at a later date; however, having clear goals with descriptors and reflections is a wonderful starting point for introducing kindness, empathy, compassion, and understanding to your child and your household in general.
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