Many of the habits children pick up stem from their parents’ behavior on a daily basis. Because of this, a parent should always embody positive traits like kindness and optimism.
Every parent wants their child to have giving habits, but this is impossible if the parent isn’t a good role model.
For your child to be kind, you must help them recognize that there is an entirely separate world outside of their own. This world may operate differently than theirs, but all people can benefit from their kindness.
Not sure how to get your own child thinking this way? Here are some ways to behave in front of your children to increase their tendency to give back:
- Be Charitable
There are many worthwhile causes that require the support of outsiders. Find a cause that you are passionate about and express that passion to your child. Explaining the process of donation and how it helps others will help your child understand the power of giving. When you donate, they’ll be motivated to give back to a cause they care about as an adult.
Your charitable efforts don’t have to be large to make an impact. Bring your child to your local animal shelter and let them offer the shelter a few dollars as a donation. From an early age, kids connect with animals. While your charitable efforts don’t have to be solely for the benefit of animals, it’s a cause that will probably resonate with your child.
If you’re capable of a much bigger donation, you could also donate an old vehicle to an organization like Humane Cars.
- Be Grateful
Children are observant, so if they hear you complain excessively or want things constantly, you will consequently create a space where everyone thinks more about what they’re lacking than what they actually have. This mindset can be hard to escape from, especially for a developing child.
Instead of putting yourself and your child in this unhealthy headspace, teach them to be grateful for all of the things they have. Start a gratitude practice in your household by reminding your child to say thanks for the simple pleasures in their life. This can mean saying thanks to the sun or their toys.
While it may seem insignificant, these little moments of gratitude can dramatically influence your child’s outlook on life. These changes will follow them into their future as an adult.
- Prioritize Self-Care
Rather than just teach your child to be kind to others, teach them to be kind to themselves as well. It’s less likely to be compassionate toward others if you don’t have a strong compassion for yourself.
Teach your child to be kind to themselves by encouraging them to give compliments in the mirror, accept their mistakes rather than resort to anger, and award themselves for accomplishments.
These healthy habits will boost your child’s self-esteem and even cause them to be kinder to others. If they aren’t dwelling on negative emotions, they’ll be more optimistic and free-spirited in their day-to-day lives.
- Be Attentive
One reason that some kids struggle with showing kindness to others is that they aren’t being treated kindly themselves. One thing you can do as a parent is be observant and look for signs of bullying in your child’s social life.
If your child seems detached, sad, or unconfident, they may be suffering from bullying. Aside from causing emotional issues, your child may also pick up the behaviors of their bully or bully’s and repeat them.
If your child is struggling with bullying, address the issue with them and their school. Ensure your child knows they are not at fault and those behaviors are wrong. It’s important to approach a situation like this with immediacy so the bullying doesn’t take a serious toll on your child’s self-image and compassion for others.
