Learning soft skills like kindness and empathy is important for children in a world filled with technological advancements. Empathy is the ability of a person to understand others’ feelings, whereas, kindness is a quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. These traits must be fostered in a child from early years.
You need to explain to your kids why it is important to think before they speak. They must learn how to talk to other children who are struggling. Also, parents must encourage kids to have a conversation with people having different life experiences, to understand their actions against events. Never forget to teach them how words can hurt others and what consequences they can face.
Here are some tips for parents to help their children learn about empathy and kindness.
1. Teach your child to put themselves in someone else’s shoes
This means they must consider others’ feelings before they make a comment or criticize them. For example, if someone is facing a problem in solving math, he shouldn’t make fun of him, instead, help him.
2. Stay silent if you cannot say something nice.
This means you must teach your child to make a habit of saying positive things. If he cannot say something nice, then remain silent, instead of making any negative opinion.
3. Teach good manners
Teach your child to use words like “thank you”, “please” and more. Teaching good manners means showing respect to others and greeting people properly. He must learn to speak politely with others.
4. Teach your child to be nice with people that interact throughout the day.
Keeping a habit of being friendly and trying to say something nice is a good idea. For example, let your child thank the checkout person at the supermarket and wish them to have a nice day. As the parent, you must be a good role model, as the behaviour you show is what your child learns.
5. Stop spoiling your kids
You must teach your kids that you cannot purchase everything they want. These kids must be patient, have self-control and be thankful. Make sure you are not spoiling your kids by fulfilling their unnecessary requirements.
6. Support your child
Always try to be nice when you speak to your child. Even if you are tired and frustrated after a long day, you must speak kindly. Discipline your child with love and support them in their positive works.
7. Join a storytelling session
A storytelling session can help teach your kids about kindness and empathy. Kids are usually interested in different stories. Therefore, you can select some short stories for children that have a moral message and read them during free time. If you’re unable to cope with your busy schedule, find some kids online classes like Yellow Class, which offers storytelling programs for kids.
8. Encourage group activities
Kids activities in groups help them to understand other feelings and emotions. An adult should take the initiative to make groups and arrange activities with some rules like when one will talk, others must be silent and try to understand their thoughts.
Some children are naturally inclined in bullying other kids. Make your child set an example of kindness in their social group and fight against bullying. Let them help people in need, to understand how kindness can make them feel better. Kindness and empathy start from parents and family. Therefore, it is your responsibility as an adult to always be a good role model for your kids.