Lesson 6: Be Kind
Quote: One kind act can change someone’s entire day.
Statement: Being kind to someone who has hurt us is often the last thing we feel like doing. However, choosing to treat someone with underserved kindness can have so many flow on positive effects for both your child and the other person. It can help children to feel happier and like they belong, and kindness is contagious.
Research: Numerous studies have found that being kind can be the secret to living a more fulfilling life. One study conducted by researchers at Cambridge University found that “seeing someone else help another produced good feelings, which subsequently caused them to reach out and do something altruistic themselves.”
Tips to teach this skill at home:
1. Explain that being kind to someone who hurts you is the last thing you want to do, but it can be a powerful way to solve a conflict. Ask your child how they could try this with their siblings or friends.
2. As a family, see if there is something you can do for a neighbour, friend or a family member. Brainstorm ideas like; cooking, odd jobs or taking them out. Talk to the children about how being kind not only builds bridges of friendship with others, it helps you to feel good and it is contagious.
3. Google: Life Vest Inside - Kindness Boomerang - "One Day” and watch the short clip as a family. Talk about the sort of things they could do around their home to be kind.
4. Write a kind note to someone to tell them three things you appreciate about them.
5. With your child, visit the BRIDGE BUILDERS Online Learning Program Lesson Six and do some of the fun activities as a family. Validating this learning empowers your child with valuable skills to learn how to; Be Kind and be empowered for life!
By Jocelyne Chirnside
Empowering Life Skills