K - Kindness

Kids NEED to learn about kindness! It is something that is beginning to disappear and it is definitely showing. Kindness comes in many forms, through love and compassion. It is something that is taught, as well as nature. My children teach me almost as much about kindness as I teach them.

Bullfrog was our first to really teach us about kindness. He always made sure that Monkey got something if he did. As he has gotten older, he is having a hard time realizing that it does not always reciprocate. He doesn't always get something if he gives something. There are days he has a hard time swallowing that pill. However, he is still there trying to make sure that everyone feels equal and tries to cheer everyone up. When he gets himself a snack, he immediately makes one for the girls.

Monkey and Turtle are very similar. I am sure they learned it from Bullfrog. When Monkey gets something, she makes sure she gives something to Turtle. This has taught Turtle to do the same. I nurture the behavior through praise. When correction is needed, we nudge them in the appropriate choice. Very rarely do we need to redirect though. They catch on real quick.

We are actually having more problems with the kindness being shown as the older two are getting older. The kindness we are having to teach is how to be kind when faced with hatred. Living in Kansas, we have been given plenty of good examples. Most notably, the Phelps family and Westboro Baptist Church. It is very easy to slam the family and wish for them to receive their "come-uppin's." However, we are teaching our children to show kindness by praying that they find peace and love.

Here are just a few ways you can teach kindness:

• Promote teamwork
• Volunteer
• Talk about tithing or donating food/money
• Recycle
• CHORES
• Praise their efforts
• Be Thankful

What do you do to promote and teach kindness in your children?

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