The simple answer would be yes. The more challenging question is how? 

Kindness does not come enclosed in a textbook. Good behaviour and habits can be Taught, but if you take a closer look at how Children learn to be kind, you will see that it begins with an image. 

Children are able to identify what an apple is after seeing a picture. That’s the role of a picture book in the learning process. But how do you explain kindness? More importantly, how can you go beyond the textbook? 

Back in 2007, David Schonfeld, M.D., Director of Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center said, “At first, children like to help others because it helps them get what they want. Next, they do so because they get praise. Finally, they begin to anticipate the needs of others, and it becomes intrinsically rewarding to do nice things for people in their lives.”

Children might be oblivious to subtle signs when they hurt other people’s feelings. It could be unintentional or playful. But as parents, sitting back and expecting them to learn as they go, might not be the right approach. Instead, explaining where they went wrong and how they can be kinder would result in a child’s better understanding the next time they are in the presence of others. 

Here are some ways you can begin teaching children the ARK (Art of Kindness)

• Give with a big heart. 

Children love toys and books at a young age. They might purchase items only to hoard them. Teach them to prepare boxes of things that could be useful to a local library, shelter or less fortunate children. 

In this internet age, it would be beneficial to highlight deeds done out of kindness and not for attraction on the internet. Nevertheless, your child can encourage friends and neighbours to contribute to the box next time. However, a good deed out of kindness should not be an advertisement. 

• Reassess yourself and what you say 

Parents are a child’s role models. They look up to you as a know-it-all. That is why it is even more important to reassess how you tease them or make fun of them. While you think it’s “just for fun” or an excellent method to toughen them up, you might be doing more harm than good. If children feel hurt and angry, they might replicate this behavior in their peer group. 

• Pitch in

“May I?”, “Shall I?”, “Can I?”.

Teach children to offer a helping hand to their friends and elders voluntarily. Acts as simple as helping the elderly cross the road, holding the door for someone, cleaning up after themselves at eateries or while visiting, will help them learn to be kinder to their surroundings. 

• “Just Because” 

Teach children to do good and be kind “just because”. There won’t always be a reward or reason they have to be nice to someone. It might be challenging to explain why, but with practice, they will learn.

Kindness goes a long way. It might seem like a small thing to check off a list now, but as they grow up, children will remember these lessons and re-enact what they’ve been taught and practised. 

Children watch and learn. This is mentioned in many topics we have discussed before. Teaching, by example, is the best form of learning for children. 

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