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![Kids have heard that bullying isn’t OK, but what about flipping that message and making sure they’re specifically being kind?
Kindness literally makes you and everyone around you happier! It boosts serotonin in your brain, which makes you feel happy and calm--and has the same effect on the person you're being kind to, and everyone who witnessed your act of kindness.
So how can you be a kindness role model? Follow these three steps!
1⃣ Give her the words
There’s no doubt that your girl wants to be kind to others, but her mind might be at a loss when kind words are needed most. Talk her through some scenarios that might happen at school or in her social groups, and ask what she might say. If she’s having trouble coming up with something to say to someone who’s being bullied or who might feel lonely, practice these ice breakers that can be used in many different situations:
- What they said wasn’t right. Are you OK? - Come sit with us! - Hey, I really liked your [drawing/poem/science project—something specific to that kid]. 2⃣ Set the bar
Practice random acts of kindness, especially in front of your girl! Whether that’s getting a drive-through meal for a homeless person in your community, regularly checking in with a friend who’s going through a tough time, or offering to drive an elderly neighbor to the library, tell your girl about it and let her know why you’re taking action. Brightening someone else’s day isn’t just nice—it’s the right thing to do.
3⃣ Call out kindness
When someone does something nice for you or your family in front of your girl, identify it as an act of kindness by saying something like, “That was so kind. Thank you!” By pointing out kindness when it happens, you’ll let people know how much you appreciate their caring ways and show your girl a wide variety of ways she could be kind in the future.
Above all else, remember that kindness—using compassionate words, being inclusive, and showing care through action—can and should start at home.](http://scontent-ort2-2.cdninstagram.com/vp/2687c0cad6fd823be7f996dc77cb574a/5E094E4A/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/67713173_521429805275716_4543931928750193944_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=104 "Kids have heard that bullying isn’t OK, but what about flipping that message and making sure they’re specifically being kind?
Kindness literally makes you and everyone around you happier! It boosts serotonin in your brain, which makes you feel happy and calm--and has the same effect on the person you're being kind to, and everyone who witnessed your act of kindness.
So how can you be a kindness role model? Follow these three steps!
1⃣ Give her the words
There’s no doubt that your girl wants to be kind to others, but her mind might be at a loss when kind words are needed most. Talk her through some scenarios that might happen at school or in her social groups, and ask what she might say. If she’s having trouble coming up with something to say to someone who’s being bullied or who might feel lonely, practice these ice breakers that can be used in many different situations:
- What they said wasn’t right. Are you OK? - Come sit with us! - Hey, I really liked your [drawing/poem/science project—something specific to that kid]. 2⃣ Set the bar
Practice random acts of kindness, especially in front of your girl! Whether that’s getting a drive-through meal for a homeless person in your community, regularly checking in with a friend who’s going through a tough time, or offering to drive an elderly neighbor to the library, tell your girl about it and let her know why you’re taking action. Brightening someone else’s day isn’t just nice—it’s the right thing to do.
3⃣ Call out kindness
When someone does something nice for you or your family in front of your girl, identify it as an act of kindness by saying something like, “That was so kind. Thank you!” By pointing out kindness when it happens, you’ll let people know how much you appreciate their caring ways and show your girl a wide variety of ways she could be kind in the future.
Above all else, remember that kindness—using compassionate words, being inclusive, and showing care through action—can and should start at home.")
