Tips to teach young children how to be kind

Kindness is contagious – and it makes both you and the person you got it from feel great.

But while some people are naturally kind, and the example they set is likely to make those around them behave kindly too, others really do need to learn the trait, say experts.

And the best way to do it, they explain, is by adults – including parents and teachers – simply letting young children see them being kind.

Here are tips on how to help children, from the ages of about three to eight years, to be kind…

1. Be a kind role model

Remember you’re a role model, so how you show kindness, both to your child and to others in your family and community, will help your child understand how important this is to you.

2. Have a kindness conversation

Talk about kindness, and explain to your child how they can use kind words (compliments/asking how people are) or do kind things (helping others) to make others feel cared for.

3. Explain kindness connects you with others

Ensure that children know showing kindness helps us to connect with friends and family – it makes them feel valued and builds positive, healthy, strong relationships.

4. Praise kindness and courage

Praise your child when you see them being kind or courageous.

5. Stress it will make them feel good too

Help your child see that acting in a kind or courageous way can make them feel good too – helping others is a sign of caring, and wanting others to be treated well.

6. Point out kindness

Try to highlight examples of kindness that you notice as you go about your daily lives. For example, if you see your child help someone who has fallen over, praise them for thinking of others.

7. Be a kind family

Ensure you’re always celebrating kindness and courage as a family – it’s great to show your child the ways in which everyone can play their part.