December 08, 2018

Quote of the Week

"When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world." -- Harold Kushner

Acts Of Kindness: Key To Happiness For Children & Teens

"Most parents and teachers want children to be happy. To that end, parents find themselves doing things for kids to make them happy, like buying gifts, taking them for ice cream, playing games together, or helping with homework.

Teachers are constantly doing for children too. In addition to understanding the link between knowledge and happiness, teachers often buy supplies from their own paychecks, bring treats to class, plan fun excursions, and support students in other immeasurable and enduring ways.

Do acts of kindness toward children make us happier parents and teachers? Of course they do. In fact, studies consistently show that we feel happier when we perform acts of kindness – for our children, students, families, friends, and communities. [...]

Unfortunately, we don’t make children happy by simply enabling them to be receivers of kindness. We increase their feelings of happiness and well-being, reduce bullying, and improve their friendships by teaching them to be givers of kindness. The truth is that children are born to be altruistic givers. But somewhere between birth and 4th grade, they are socialized to think more about themselves than others. (Yes, we all play a role in how this occurs.) How do we change this trajectory and improve children’s well-being?" [read more]

Reading Corner

Title: I Walk With Vanessa: A Story About A Simple Act Of Kindness
By: Kerascoet
Ages: 5-8

Why? "This simple yet powerful picture book--from a New York Times bestselling husband-and-wife team--tells the story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying. Inspired by real events, I Walk with Vanessa explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly, and shows how a single act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help." -- Publishers

Be the Change

Do acts of kindness together with your kids during the festive season! Check out these wonderful ideas that have a community focus or this holiday kindness toolkit!