Recently this quote came into my Instagram Feed, “Three things in human life are important.  The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind.  And the third is to be kind.” Henry James (via @rakfoundation).  This message resonated, as the power of kindness in our lives is profound but often overlooked when we become busy balancing the everyday, including work, family, and personal life.

Yet, as educators (and parents), it is one of the most powerful gifts we can give our children. Modelling the gestures and language, and leading by example, helps our children adopt kindness as a core value of their own.

The social skills of kindness are not grand gestures, but everyday moments. Our Social and Emotional Pillars guide our learning on the value of small gestures, whether it is saying ‘Good morning Mrs. Benneyworth’ or ‘Thank you Mrs. Rees’.  Modelling the skills of kindness teaches our children the value of their choice of words and that small gestures can have big meaning.  Kindness helps to develop our children’s emotional intelligence as well as support meaningful relationships. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of teaching your child ways to be kind, click Want to Raise Successful Kids? Focus on Kindness Instead, Says Wharton Psychologist Adam Grant

To learn more about how kindness fits into our Pillars of Child Development, click here.