Downloadable Resources to Build Kindness
How to Use the Resources for Teaching Kids Kindness
For a fun and structured way to build character in your kids all year long, download the calendar and stickers.
Each calendar month focuses on a unique character trait. And each character trait has a unique printable teaching resource to help you build character in your child. You can download it below.
The resource includes:
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- definition card – to build an understanding of kindness.
- verse card – to memorize why kindness is important.
- question/challenge – to discuss or practice kindness.
- character certificate – to recognize monthly progress in acquiring kindness.
- reward coupon – to have fun and show your child how proud you are of them!
Use some or all of the resources to build kindness in your child all month. You can also use the printable sticker sheet to cut out and place stickers on dates you see your child showing the trait you’re working on that month. You just need one 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of sticker paper.
Kindness is just one of the 12 character traits we want to help you build in your kids. Here are more.
Why Teaching Kids Kindness Is Important
I love going on family walks. We try to get out a few times a week after dinner to enjoy an evening stroll with the dog. The sun is setting, the day is winding down, and we get to be outside. My favorite part of every walk is when my toddler picks me a flower. I never ask for one. I never even told her that I like them. Yet, she feels the need to pick the prettiest one for me whenever we take our walks. I always gush about the beautiful petals. She knows it makes me feel loved and appreciated. So, she keeps doing it.
Kindness is being friendly, generous, and considerate. It is practicing going out of your way to show others that they matter to you through your words and actions. Kindness is a character trait everyone can practice, and it doesn’t require much effort. Teaching kids kindness is especially important because kind children tend to make friends more easily, connect with others well, and thrive around new people. Kindness is others-focused, and it really is an attractive quality.
It might be a little tricky explaining to your neighbors why her prized tulips look picked over, but hopefully, they will see the value in sacrificing a few stems to urge children to be kind.
How to Teaching Kids Kindness
Encourage your children to do something unexpected for others.
Start once per week. Find an elderly neighbor and offer to do a chore for him or her. If your kids are old enough, allow them to mow someone’s lawn. Go to the grocery store for a single mom. Whatever you do, involve your kids and stress the importance of being kind.
Write cards.
Write simple notes with your children and mail them to those who have been feeling down. At the mailbox talk with your little ones about the importance of showing kindness to those in need.
Make a difference in the drive-thru.
If you’re able, the next time you stop to grab chicken nuggets in the fast food car line, ask the back seat if you should pay for the people behind you. React to what your kids say. If they answer yes, ask why that would be a kind thing to do. If they say no, ask your kids if paying for the stranger’s meal could brighten their day.
Encourage sibling service.
Challenge your kids to clean up their sibling’s rooms. I know, this is a crazy idea. What’s in it for them to clean their little brother’s space? Not much, except to show kindness.
Make a Kindness Jar.
Every time your children do something kind for someone else, write it on a strip of paper and drop it in the jar. At the end of the month, tally up all the kind things they did for others and watch your kids beam with pride.
