We often regard kindness as more of a trait than a skill – but why can’t it be both? If you’re stuck wondering how to teach your child kindness, don’t panic because we’ve listed our 3 favourite ways to encourage kindness and generosity. And if that wasn’t enough, we’ve listed a whole bunch of random acts of kindness for you to try out too!

So, in the spirit of kindness week, here are our favourite ways to teach children kindness:

1. Lead by example

From their first words to their first steps – many of the skills our children develop are learned by observing others. So, if you’re wondering how to teach your child kindness, don’t worry! All you have to do is lead by example.

By regularly performing random acts of kindness, your child can witness the joy and positivity you can bring to others and undoubtedly follow in your footsteps. After all, kindness is contagious!

a little boy holding his mother's face to represent how to teach your child kindness

2. Praise acts of kindness

Positive reinforcement is a tried and tested teaching method – even for teaching kindness. So each time your child performs an act of kindness, praise them for their selflessness. Not only will it encourage them to continue being kind to others, but limiting these rewards to verbal praise will also promote kindness for kindness sake.

3. Practise, practise, practise

Repetition is the key to mastering any skill – so why not do the same when teaching your child kindness? Practise performing random acts of kindness together! Soon, paying compliments and smiling at others will become a simple, sweet habit.

A little boy giving a little girl a flower a little boy holding his mother's face to represent how to teach your child kindness

30 random acts of kindness

If you’re looking for some specific examples for how to teach your child kindness, here are 30 random acts of kindness you can do together to encourage generosity and selflessness:

  1. Pay someone a compliment
  2. Help tidy up
  3. Donate to a charity
  4. Write someone a kind note
  5. Give someone a hug
  6. Help pick up litter
  7. Bake for a friend
  8. Carry a neighbours shopping
  9. Smile at a stranger
  10. Call a friend or relative
  11. Hold the door open for somebody
  12. Draw someone a picture
  13. Invite others to play with you
  14. Offer to make somebody a drink
  15. Make your bed without being asked
  16. Let someone go ahead of you in a queue
  17. Say hello to a stranger
  18. Thank your teachers
  19. Donate old clothes and toys
  20. Send flowers to a relative
  21. Buy groceries for an elderly person
  22. Tell someone you love them
  23. Share your snacks with someone
  24. Tell somebody your favourite things about them
  25. Donate to a food bank
  26. Feed the birds/ducks
  27. Buy someone a gift with your pocket money
  28. Write somebody a card
  29. Lend a friend your favourite toy/book
  30. Recycle any household plastics

outside play to represent how to teach your child kindness

So there you have it – 3 methods and 30 different ways to demonstrate how to teach your child kindness. We hope they have inspired you just as much as they have inspired your children. And remember, kindness isn’t always about big gestures and expensive gifts – it’s about the small, thoughtful actions we perform each day.

 

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

 

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

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