Do you show kindness each day? I know sometimes it can be hard. So, I’d love to share some things that help me remember to show kindness and compassion towards others. Hopefully, they will help you, too.
One way to show kindness is by making it a daily priority. Keeping a few reminders prominently displayed helps me to do this. I like to keep several positive quotes on the bulletin board of my office. This helps me to memorize and focus on the quotes staring right in front of me.
Another way that helps me to show kindness and compassion is by remembering that my children are always watching my actions. So, I try hard to lead by example. When you display kind acts in front of your children, you are teaching your children how to show kindness, too. This really helps me strive to be a better person each day.
When my children aren’t with me (reminding me to be on my best behavior), I find it helpful to remember that many people are fighting a battle about which we may not know. So, when someone is rude to me, I take a deep breath and remember that I am choosing to respond with grace.
Another way to keep the message of kindness as daily focus is to openly discuss being kind. At dinner or before bed, ask how your family showed kindness or helpfulness today. Talk about your day and about ways we can help others. By talking about being kind, children know it is important and they strive to do it. We also discuss gratitude and talk about all of the things for which we are thankful. This helps us to keep focused on all of the wonderful blessings in our lives, which boosts our mood and makes being kind easier.
It also helps to be part of organizations that do good. Some examples are: church groups, volunteer organizations, and groups that better the community. These groups are important; as they are other ways children can learn about kindness and being a better person to others. It is helpful for children to hear this message from multiple sources (just incase they may occasionally ignore you).
I believe that kindness is contagious. For example, while my children and I were exploring our new city’s downtown area, we stopped to enjoy a fountain. A sweet, older man reached out and gave me three shiny new pennies. He said they were for our wishes. After we made our wishes and threw the shiny, new pennies in the fountain, my son looked up at me and said, “I wished for that nice man to have a good life.” When I was done beaming, I realized that this man’s kind gesture helped put me in a better mood and I wanted to share this joy with others. Kindness produces more kindness!
Remember back to the last time you did something kind (hopefully, it isn’t too long ago). For example, think of when you held a door open for someone. Most of the time they then hold it for the next person and a big cycle of good deeds/kindness starts!
Showing kindness helps the recipient feel better, but it also helps you to feel better, too. When you are in a happy and kind mood, it also helps your children to feel better. It is a win-win for everyone.
Choosing to be kind is an easy way to help make the world a better place. How do you show kindness? I would love to hear it in the comments below or over at SharingAtoZ.com.
Show Kindness today,
Stephanie
This piece was originally posted on StrongTots as part of the Kinder by the Child project!
