National Network for Equitable Library Service

As a parent, you want the best for your child, and one of your greatest hopes is that your child will grow up to be a good person. So, what makes a good person? Generally, we think about good people as being kind: compassionate, empathetic, generous. However, it seems that, in our fast-paced, individual-driven society, kindness is fading and the pressure on parents to raise socially conscious, empathetic, and caring children can seem overwhelming at times. In Teaching Kids to Be Kind, Rachel Tomlinson draws from her professional experiences to provide 365 inspiring strategies to help children and families practice kindness every day of the year, including daily tips like these: Taking your child shopping around the holidays to select a new toy to donate to another little boy or girl their age. Leaving little notes in their lunch box or school bag for them to find. This models unconditional love and consideration for others. Baking a cake together to teach patience and teamwork and to build on their ability to delay gratification. An essential tool for parents, Teaching Kids to Be Kind will help children develop empathy, regulate their emotions, and improve their general well-being as well as support families in strengthening their overall relationships.