World Kindness Day, observed on 13th November, is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate and cultivate kindness in our lives. As parents, it’s a chance to teach our children about kindness by being mindful of our words, actions, and responses. Mindful parenting is about staying present, observing our reactions, and modelling kindness and empathy through our everyday interactions. For my husband Steve and me, raising our toddler daughter with these values is a priority; we believe kindness can help shape her into a compassionate, considerate individual.
Here are some ways we can all practise mindful parenting on World Kindness Day and beyond, fostering kindness in ourselves and our children.
1. Lead by Example
Children learn best by observing the adults around them. From how we greet strangers to how we handle stress, every action we take is an example to our children. Mindful parenting means paying attention to these everyday moments and showing kindness through simple gestures and words. For example, thanking a cashier or offering to help a neighbour demonstrates kindness in a natural way.
At home, Steve and I try to show appreciation for each other’s efforts in small ways, whether it’s by saying “thank you” for a freshly made cup of tea or acknowledging each other’s help around the house. Our daughter watches and, as she grows, learns that kindness isn’t reserved for special occasions but is woven into daily life.
2. Encourage Empathy through Conversation
Empathy is a cornerstone of kindness. Helping children understand others’ perspectives fosters compassion and thoughtfulness. Simple conversations can make a big difference, such as asking questions about how someone else might feel in a certain situation.
With our toddler, Steve and I keep it simple, especially when she’s interacting with other children. If she’s taken a toy from a friend, we gently ask her how she’d feel if someone took her favourite toy. This kind of reflective questioning, though basic, plants the seeds of empathy. As she grows, we’ll continue these discussions, exploring how actions impact others’ feelings in various scenarios.
3. Make Time for Active Listening
In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to listen on autopilot, responding without really hearing. But children, like all of us, value feeling heard. Practising active listening shows them that their thoughts and feelings matter, building self-confidence and trust. Taking a moment to stop, make eye contact, and listen to our daughter, even if it’s about the simplest things, demonstrates kindness and respect.
When Steve or I come home from work, for instance, we set aside a few minutes where we all catch up on our day. If our daughter wants to share something, we put our phones down, look at her, and respond meaningfully. This small act of mindful listening not only models kindness but also teaches her to listen thoughtfully to others.
4. Practice Gratitude Together
Gratitude and kindness go hand-in-hand. Recognising and appreciating what we have can help us feel more generous and compassionate towards others. As a family, making gratitude a part of our routine can reinforce these feelings.
In our home, we have a simple practice at dinner where we each share one thing we’re grateful for that day. This is something we plan to continue with our daughter as she gets older, encouraging her to appreciate the small things, from a sunny day to a favourite snack. Practising gratitude fosters kindness by helping children focus on positivity and appreciate those around them.
5. Use Gentle Language and Reframe Criticism
Mindful parenting encourages us to pause before reacting, especially when we’re frustrated or tired. Responding to challenging moments with gentle, constructive language rather than harsh criticism not only helps children learn from their mistakes but also teaches them to speak kindly to others.
When our daughter has her toddler moments – tantrums, spills, or messes – we try to reframe the situation, focusing on what she can learn. For example, instead of saying, “Look at the mess you’ve made!” we try, “Let’s clean this up together.” By reframing, we keep the interaction constructive and model a kind way of communicating, even in stressful moments.
6. Celebrate Acts of Kindness
Highlighting acts of kindness, whether big or small, shows children that kindness is valued and appreciated. Acknowledging their efforts builds positive reinforcement and encourages them to continue being considerate.
Steve and I make a point of recognising our daughter’s kind actions, no matter how small. If she shares a toy or offers her blanket to a stuffed animal, we praise her for being thoughtful. These simple words of encouragement help her associate kindness with positive feelings, which will hopefully encourage her to act kindly more often.
7. Use Storytelling to Inspire Kindness
Stories are powerful tools for teaching values. Reading books about kindness, empathy, and friendship can help children see the importance of these qualities in an engaging, relatable way. Many children’s books focus on characters who learn the value of sharing, helping, or understanding others’ perspectives.
In our home, storytime is a cherished routine. Steve and I enjoy reading stories with our daughter that centre around themes of kindness, like The Lion and the Mouse, where a small act of kindness has a big impact. Stories provide the opportunity to discuss these values and ask questions like, “What would you have done?”
8. Make Kindness a Family Activity
Getting involved in acts of kindness together as a family is a wonderful way to make kindness an enjoyable and habitual part of life. This could be as simple as baking treats for neighbours, tidying up at a local park, or helping a friend with errands. For young children, participating in acts of kindness can be empowering, showing them that they can make a difference.
For World Kindness Day, Steve and I are planning a small family activity: creating kindness cards. We’ll write small notes with simple, encouraging words or drawings and leave them around the house or neighbourhood. Even though our daughter is young, we think she’ll enjoy the creative aspect, and it’s a gentle way to teach her that kindness is something we can share with others in little ways.
9. Model Self-Kindness
Kindness doesn’t only apply to how we treat others; it’s also about how we treat ourselves. Modelling self-compassion teaches children that kindness begins within. When we’re stressed or make mistakes, showing patience and forgiveness with ourselves is just as important.
Steve and I try to be open about self-kindness around our daughter. If one of us has had a rough day, we share it and focus on how we can rest or try again tomorrow. It’s a small, mindful way of showing her that we all deserve kindness, including ourselves.
Conclusion
World Kindness Day is a reminder of how powerful kindness can be, especially when shared within families. Mindful parenting provides us with opportunities to teach kindness every day, whether it’s through the way we speak, listen, or act. For our family, being present, leading by example, and encouraging empathy in our daughter are at the heart of how we want to raise her.
By embracing mindfulness and kindness, we’re nurturing qualities in our children that will help them grow into compassionate, understanding individuals – a gift that benefits not just our families, but the world around us.
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