Tip 152: May 2021 – Kindness – In Words and Deeds

Website Educational Tips for Social/Emotional Development

Kindness is defined by Campos and Algoe as “An emotion-based motivation
that promotes prosocial behavior without the expectation of a reciprocal
benefit.” To explain this to young children describe kindness as things you
do for others that are helpful and nice like kind words or kind actions
(deeds).

Infants:
How to Help:

Magda Gerber, the founder of Resources for Infant Educator, suggests that
“Infants do not yet speak our language but they give us many, many clues.”
Adults need to observe and listen with care especially in moments of
sadness when family members depart, leaving the baby behind. There are a
number of actions that can be taken.

1.) Don’t lie: Separation should be handled primarily with honesty.
Don’t tell even well meaning or protective lies such as “Mommy will be
right back.” These lies threaten trust, and undermine the confidence of the
child in what is being said. Don’t sneak out. Always say goodbye,
and say when you will be returning.

2.) Birthing Books: These are made with 3 zip lock bags with a piece of
construction paper in each. Put in a picture on each side (6) about when
the baby was born. Label each picture. (Mommy, daddy, grandma, brother, the
dog etc.) At quiet time read the pictures to the baby talking about who is
in the picture.

Toddlers:
Kindness Rocks:

Take children outside to go on nature walks and have them explore. Allow
them to look, listen, touch, and smell things safely. Interacting safely
outdoors is a great way for

children to develop a respect for nature. The impact of the environment on
toddlers is always dramatic and specific. Children can be taught the skills
of kindness which are based on making positive decisions that lead to
building their self-esteem.

1.) Give the toddler an egg carton to collect rocks. When indoors, have
them wash the rocks and allow them to dry. Then paint with water proof
paint, the best paint to use is acrylic. An adult can write kind messages
in black to stand out. Use one or two words such as; Joy, Love, Be Happy,
Peace, Get Well. Thank You, Share, and Be Kind.

2.) Have the toddler deliver them personally to family, friends, and
neighbors.

Preschoolers:
Kindness List:

Ask the preschooler to make up a list of kindness activities they can do
for their family and their community. Print up a copy to hang it in their
room and have them try to do a new activity each day.

1.) Make a get well card for a friend

2.) Help a parent with a chore.

3.) Write a thank you note.

4.) Put toys away.

5.) Make cards for grandparents.

6.) Compliment someone.

7.) Help a bug find its way outside.

8.) Make a bird feeder.

9.) Design and hang a peace flag.

10.) Collect canned goods for a food bank.

11.) Tell a joke to someone to make them laugh.

12.) Grow plants from vegetable scraps like avocado pits, carrot & pineapple tops.

Kindness in words Creates Confidence, Kindness in thinking Creates
Profoundness,

Kindness in giving Creates Love ( Lao Tse)