Inside: 4 Ways to Raise a Kind and Compassionate Child. Collaborative post.
One of the most important things you should teach to your children is kindness. Altruistic behaviours, such as everyday acts of kindness, are already beneficial for you, your child, and your community. But on top of that, research shows that kindness is also rewarded through positive well-being and longevity.
The BBC highlights that individuals who regularly volunteered had a reduced risk of high blood glucose and inflammation levels. And these benefits could stem from volunteering as tutors for children or simply buying a stranger a cup of coffee.
So if you want to create a positive change in your child and your community, here are the different strategies that can help you raise kind and compassionate kids.
Join volunteer programmes together
As previously stated, volunteering can transform your community and your child’s life. In line with this, SymptomFind has educational resources for parents who want to promote healthy living within their family. Their article on teaching empathy to kids highlights that taking part in volunteer programmes can improve your child’s well-being and emotional intelligence.
As such, you should try to build your child’s empathy and boost their well-being by joining volunteer programmes together. You can further reinforce this behaviour by discussing how their acts of kindness made them feel. Finally, take the time to explain to them in-depth how transformative these volunteer programmes are to the communities involved.
Surround them with good role models
If you want to raise a kind and compassionate child, show them what these traits look like. As a parent, you need to be a good role model so that your child can follow suit and learn to be good to others. This is vital because research studies carried out by the Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Cambridge revealed that young people with weak moral emotions are more likely to commit crimes. However, these kids don’t develop behaviours on their own.
They learn moral codes from adults and peers starting from early childhood. That means you, as their parent, play a huge role in shaping their morals. So, it’s very important that you set an example and exhibit kindness and compassion when nurturing your kids.
Teach them how to be respectful during interactions
Besides serving as a good role model to your kids, discuss how they can practice kindness and compassion when interacting with others. Take the time to explain the etiquette for different interactions and make sure they implement these standards.
For instance, if your child says something rude, you can correct them by asking them to rephrase their statement in a more respectful manner. Afterwards, discuss the effects of their actions by explaining why their disrespectful statement could hurt other people. Be kind but firm in correcting their behaviour. This way, your child will understand why it’s important to be kind.
Don’t forget to acknowledge good deeds
Finally, let your child know that they’re doing a good job. An article on ‘Your Toddler’s Developmental Milestones at 18 Months’ emphasises that you can support your kid’s social and emotional development by acknowledging their good deeds.
Observe your child’s actions and praise them whenever they show signs of empathy, such as sharing their toys or taking care of their possessions. By acknowledging their good behaviour, you can help your child understand which actions they can repeat. Similarly, if you and your child interact with someone kind, don’t forget to thank them for their actions. For instance, praising a fellow volunteer for their effort allows your child to observe the right practices.
Acts of kindness and compassion can transform the life of your child as well as the lives of those around them. If you want them to grow up as kind and compassionate individuals, teach them early on and provide them with opportunities to be kind to others.
This way, they gain a solid foundation on how to exhibit these positive traits. For more parenting advice, check out our resources at What Katy Said. Our articles are filled with tips and tricks that can help you raise your child.