The Science of Kindness: Raising Kind Kids
Kindness is more than just a feel-good action; research shows that it's deeply rooted in our biology. Our brains release oxytocin, when we do kind things, which enhances mood and emotional well-being. What’s more is that kindness has the power to lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, and even strengthen our immune systems.
As we understand more about the science of kindness, we learn that small acts can have profound effects on both individuals and communities. By integrating acts of kindness into daily routines, encouraging meaningful conversations, and exposing children to inspiring stories, parents can nurture empathy and compassion in their children and reap the benefits of kindness science!
Let's make kindness a cornerstone of our family culture and watch as it shapes our children into remarkable, considerate human beings.
With gratitude,
– MiaLisa Millares, Executive Director
ACTIONS
Giving Jar
Create a "Giving Jar" or box where your children can save their money and donate it to a cause that they feel is important. Really follow your child’s lead on what is important to them!
Art of Appreciation
Encourage your kids to create handmade cards or drawings for family members, friends, or even teachers to show their gratitude and appreciation. Or use the beautifully created artwork to cheer elders in a nursing home.
Volunteer Listings
Involve your children in family volunteering, such as volunteering at a local food bank or participating in a neighborhood clean-up. Check out our listings that have new opportunities each month with specially curated lists of opportunities for families.
Summer of Kindness
Summer is an amazing time to reset priorities and focus on kindness. We created two summer lists of ways to engage in simple kind acts throughout the summer.
Print off these lists of great summer kindness activities.
CONVERSATIONS
What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?
How do you feel when you do something nice for someone else?
Can you think of a time when you saw someone being kind to another person? When you witnessed that kindness, how did that make you feel?
Why do you think it's important to be kind to others, even if they are different from us?
What are some ways we can show kindness to animals and nature?
READ
One children’s book that beautifully inspires kindness is Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud.
This engaging and heartwarming story uses the concept of invisible buckets to illustrate how our actions and words affect the emotions of others, encouraging children to make kindness a daily habit. The book teaches young readers that when they do something kind, they fill someone else's bucket, as well as their own, fostering a sense of empathy and compassion. The simple yet profound message, makes it an ideal read for children to understand the importance of kindness in their everyday lives.
Father’s Day is coming up. Check out our new book list of books that honor Dads and heroes in our lives!
INSPIRATION
"Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end."
–Scott Adams