By Rebecca Yee
Most people have heard the phrase ‘random acts of kindness.’ It refers to a selfless act of giving, resulting in the happiness of another person. Have you ever experienced or provided a “random acts of kindness”? How did it make you feel? Experts have determined that showing kindness changes the brain and that selfless acts of giving provide physical and emotional benefits needed for a well-rounded individual. This is why children need to learn kindness early on. Our children need to gain an understanding of the power of being kind and the impact it can have when we are not. How a simple act of kindness, such as smiling at someone who may be having a rough day, can make that moment better. Sending simple notes or doing monthly community projects teaches children that they each play a significant role in our community, as well as our world.
Here are just a few of the many benefits your children will experience from learning the values such as kindness:
Happy children – Study shows that kindness activates the joyful area of the brain. Pleasure resulting in kindness activates the need to replicate those feelings either as a receiver or a giver.
Greater Sense of Belonging and Improved Self Esteem – Even small acts of kindness create feelings of self-worth and belonging. Acts of kindness increase energy and give an incredible feeling of optimism.
Increased Feelings of Gratitude – Children learn to appreciate what they have when helping those less fortunate.
Better Concentration and Improved Results - Kindness is an essential ingredient that helps children feel good. Having a positive outlook increases attention spans and enables more creative thinking, which can produce better results at school.
Less Bullying – Research has documented that the effects of bullying can be significantly reduced by integrating kindness based programs
So how can we make sure our children understand kindness? It starts at home. It’s important to teach kids the different types of kindness; some are with friends and family, and some are with strangers. Make sure you explain which acts of kindness are appropriate for specific settings. For example, make sure your child asks you before speaking with someone they may not know.
Finding ways to incorporate kindness into your everyday life will help strengthen the bond between you and your children.
For a full family kindness mission this holiday season, join us with Mission Fat Hearts! Our books have inspired a movement of kindness during the holiday season and beyond! You can get your short story and Top-Secret Mission Folder HERE on Amazon and join us for the best Christmas season yet! It has 25 random acts of kindness missions that you and your kids can do from December 1st through December 25th. Some of them the kids can do on their own. It has become a holiday tradition for many families.
LIKE our Mission Fat Hearts Facebook page to keep up to date on our mission. You can also watch the Mission Fat Hearts animated Christmas movie HERE.
