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Our Blog: December 8, 2016

Kindness Matters

shutterstock_514760386Feeling tired? Stressed out? Tired of all the negativity in the world? Try doing something nice for a stranger. Scientific studies have revealed that there is a strong link between appreciation and random acts of kindness and overall good health. Never underestimate the impact of a single act of kindness. You may change just their day, or you may change their entire way of thinking.

In schools where kindness and empathy are part of the curriculum, teachers report that teaching kindness supports a healthy learning environment, positive social emotional development, and academic achievement. Kindness also increases a child’s serotonin level, which plays an important part in memory, learning, digestion, and health.

Performing acts of kindness is a great way to bond with your children and teaches them about compassion and empathy. Modeling kindness for your children ensures that the next generation will understand the importance of being kind. While this time of year presents many chances for kindness—such as opportunities to volunteer and donate goods and services—performing these small acts all year long will benefit both the recipient and the giver.

An act of kindness does not need to cost money, or take a lot of time. In fact, you may be doing some already while trying to teach manners to your child. Some ideas for children to spread some happiness:

  • Write a friendly note on the sidewalk in chalk to make a passerby smile.
  • Pick up trash at the park.
  • Make cards for a senior citizen home.
  • Leave a friendly note in a library book.
  • Donate a toy to charity.
  • Hold the door open for a stranger.

There are also many ideas that you can participate in as a family:

  • Make dinner for another family or elderly neighbor.
  • Volunteer at a local animal or homeless shelter.
  • Adopt a family.
  • Give hot chocolate to someone working outside on a cold day.
  • Take cookies to the local fire station.

Check out this website for more ideas: randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas

 

About the Author

Dr. Susan Canizares

Dr. Susan Canizares is the Chief Academic Officer at Learning Care Group, responsible for leading all aspects of the educational mission. Dr. Canizares earned her Ph.D. in language and literacy development from Fordham University and a master’s degree in special education, specializing in Early Childhood, from New York University. She has authored more than 100 nonfiction photographic titles for beginning readers. Some of her published credits include Side by Side Series: Little Raccoon Catches a Cold and A Writer’s Garden.

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