“Children are not born simply good or bad. We should never give up on them. They need adults or parents who will help them become caring, responsible, and respectful for communities at every step of their childhood,” the researchers write.

The act of kindness, empathy, and moral employs a great deal of role in the personality growth of children. An underlying consideration for others must be instilled while they grow. Emotional intelligence or Empathy doesn’t come naturally to all children in the same amounts. Some children do not understand how to put themselves in other’s shoes, and some children do not know how to show kindness.

Do not worry! There are many things you can do to promote and encourage your children to be a kinder, gentler and responsible person.

1. Encourage children to share things like chocolate and toys with family 

   Children tend to be possessive about their items, whether it is their chocolate or their toys. They love to have a whole set with them. Start from the basics. Encourage them to share their toys, food and chocolate with the rest of the family members, pets and friends. Start it from home and with little things. 

2. Expand their boundaries of concern and communication 

   Almost all of us, including our children, have a small group of family and friends whom we concern about. Expand the boundaries of their concern and their communication with others outside the group. Help your children in learning to care about someone outside their group, for example, talking to a new kid in class or helping a stranger who is unable to cross the road. Such small acts will make them think beyond their circles and keep them motivated to understand others. 

3. Set a perfect example or be a strong moral role

   There is no one else in this world who they would look up to and learn from. You are their guide, teacher, mentor and friend. How you make model them about behaviour matters.

   Every act you perform in front of them is grasped as a strong emotion into their minds. Be an excellent role model for your child!

4. Ensure you show the impact of their behaviour on others 

   When you observe that your child’s behaviour is affecting those around them (friends, family or neighbours) – point it out. Let your child know how their actions or words are affecting others without dishonouring them. Let it be a lesson, not a punishment. Talk to them about their acts and correct them with love. 

5. Give them chances to confer their kind and gratitude feelings.  

   Your younger ones cannot understand everything through words and lessons. Children need to practice caring and expressing gratitude for those who care for or cared for them. People who are in the habit of showing gratitude are more likely to be generous, helpful, compassionate, and forgiving. They are also more likely to be happy and healthy in their lives. Provide them with opportunities to practise caring and gratitude. Ask them to take care of their younger siblings or pets and teach them to say thank you for the elders who helped them. 

Always remind yourself and your kids that kindness is hard sometimes. It is not still easy to show care and gratitude to others. Dr Naumburg says “It doesn’t always flow out of us naturally — but that doesn’t mean that we are not kind.”

It can be challenging at times to be generous with a sibling who’s annoying you or a stranger who is scary to talk. But, these are all the situations we all have to go come across. Prepare your kids and make them ready for every kind of play in a positive attitude. This world’s kindness day, take the simple steps to make your children grow up with empathy and forgiveness!! 

*Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.