World Kindness Day - November 13

Kindness has been defined as actions intended to benefit others. It may also be defined as "having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature, and as encompassing gentleness, respect, amiability, and concern" (Johnstone, 2010).

As adults, we know that kindness is more than just being nice.  Being nice is simply being pleasant and agreeable according to how other people see you.  Being kind is intentional, sincere, and voluntary.  Kindness is based on your values and ethics.  It is grace and love, and can cause a ripple effect that impacts a whole community, even the world!  
Think about it - would you rather be considered “nice” or “kind”?  

Benefits of Kindness in School
Kindness, from teachers and other students, is essential to positive growth and learning because it promotes healthy relationships and helps us develop lifelong skills that can lead to future success and fulfillment. 
When students feel cared for and respected, they are more likely to engage in learning. If students don’t feel valued, they’re unlikely to pay attention or do their best in class. 

Kindness also fosters a sense of community. When everyone treats each other with respect, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie and belonging. This sense of community can lead to students being more engaged in their school and motivated to perform well. In addition, students feel safer and more supported in a close-knit community.

Kindness can help reduce bullying and other forms of aggression. When students see their classmates being treated kindly, they are less likely to engage in bullying themselves. In addition, a culture of kindness at school can make it easier for students to speak up when they witness bullying or other mistreatment.

Finally, kindness is simply the right thing to do. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, and no one deserves to be the target of aggression or bullying. By fostering a culture of kindness, we can ensure that everyone in our schools feels valued and supported.

How do we help our kids learn kindness?
First of all, we need to be kind to ourselves.  Our kids learn the most by watching their parents and caregivers.  We need to be good models and demonstrate our own self-kindness and show kindness to those around us.  

Second, we need to practice it often.  Say kind things to strangers in the grocery store, give compliments often, hold the door for others, volunteer, and give to charities that mean something to you.  
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Lastly, give positive reinforcement.  If you notice your child doing something kind, tell them that you notice those moments and how much it means to you (or those on the receiving end).  

Some believe that there is less kindness in today’s world.  I don’t believe that!  I see kindness everywhere!  Look for it and you will find it.  Practice it and you will spread kindness and happiness around you.  

Be kind.

Kindness creates more Happiness

Kindness Helps Personal Growth

Kindness Can Help People Perform Better at School or Work

Kindness Is Contagious

Kindness Is Good for the Environment

Kindness Can Help Build Trust, Communication

Kindness Makes Us Better People

Kindness Can Help to Build Up Self-Esteem

Kindness Can Help Heal Trauma

Kindness Makes You Even More Grateful

Kindness Manipulates the Brain in a Positive Way

Kindness Fosters Empathy

Kindness Makes You More Resilient

Kindness Helps Us Feel More Connected to Others

Kindness Makes Your Community Stronger

Kindness Can Save Lives

This article was brought to you by Northshore Council PTSA's Mental Health Committee.
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For past articles and more resources, please visit our Mental Health Awareness page.