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“How the Child Thinks and the Way the Teacher Reacts” – Kindness

Kindness
Kindness is a little thing that means a lot. It can easily be sought. If only you would give it a try to a friend passing by, as it would brighten your day in a surprising way. It will bring a smile to your face.

A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money. John Ruskin

A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve. Joseph Joubert

Webster’s dictionary states kindness as a kind act; a friendly feeling; liking

“Kindness improves the Childs’ self-esteem and the school climate” (according to the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation which teaches people to be nice to each other). “Whether academically or not, children are given a way to excel through kindness, and excel as they do.” Even for struggling children, they will benefit from spreading “good will.” During difficult or stressful times, taking positive action is empowering to children. And kindness, a uniquely human trait, encourages empathy and helps develop the kind of strong interpersonal skills that children will use their whole lives. Practicing “random” acts of kindness draws children out of their own small network and introduces them to the whole diverse world around them.

Kindness needn’t be big to make a big impression. A little boy who decorates a thank you card and tapes it to the underside of the trash bin can make a huge difference in the day of the sanitation workers who do a tough and very necessary job.

Do you know a teacher who could use a sincere thank you? Have you read a news story about a family who needs new winter coats or a charity struggling to keep its doors open? Have your kids kept their eyes opened – they’re sure to spot someone who needs help picking up the books they dropped or reaching an item on a high shelf. A spontaneous smile from a young child or a sincere compliment makes everyone’s day a little brighter. Help children learn to help others.

The child’s viewpoint of how to be a caring child:
Treat people with kindness and generosity.
Help people in need.
Be sensitive to people’s feelings.
Never be mean or hurtful.
Think about how your actions will affect others.
Always remember – we become caring people by doing caring things!

Examples of Kindness: (Can you add to this list?)
Read bed time stories to siblings
Assisted adults while grocery shopping
Set the dinner table without being asked
Verbally defended friends
Held the door for adults
Comforted someone when they were feeling down
Shared toys with a sibling
Took care of the family pet
Watched a younger sibling while their parents were busy
Donated items to people in need
Put their own clothes away
Assisted with preparing family meals
Located lost items in the house
Cleaned up their bedrooms or rooms in their home
Brought in the mail
Visited someone who was ill
Used polite language (please, thank you, etc.)
Listened to their parents and followed directions
Helped their parents by packing their own lunches
Helped younger siblings study
Hugged a family member and told them – I Love You

Next week: What does Kindness Looks Like?

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