My kids will inherently become a mirror image of myself, whether I like it or not. My Kids look for ME for guidance and will model MY behavior automatically. The way I express myself verbally and my actions as an adult is sending a direct message to my kids on HOW they should act/react to stimuli. It is important for me to display a healthy sociable acceptable behavior so my kids learn to assimilate, act & speak regarding the outside world optimistically, especially about themselves and to perceive themselves as a valued human being.
My kids are valued, encouraged, praised & complimented at home. My better half and myself make a point to compliment our kids on important characteristics, such as, their kindness, natural talents and thoughtfulness. We praise our kids when they compliment each other, show respect towards one another, and when they treat each other with thoughtfulness, respect and kindness. However, we don’t want our kids to be doormats, therefore, we also encourage our kids to learn how stand up for themselves calmly, patiently and intelligently to negative behaviors & actions from others.
How to Raise a Kind Child from a Dad’s perspective…
No one said that being a parent was easy and finding the proper balance for teaching your young ones to be kind and to have the voice to stand up for themselves can be hard, but not impossible.
- Lead by example. Lead by example: teach your kids the difference between right and wrong. Ultimately, it will be up to them to figure out what is right and wrong. Teach them to be kind to those around them and they will follow your behavior. We encourage them to take a moment to reflect on the impact of their actions towards others, more importantly to explain their actions honestly and truthfully, and accept the consequences fairly. I tell my kids, not to look at the direct actions of others, but to attempt to analyze the intentions of their actions. That will demonstrate a clearer picture why people act the way they do.
- Set Higher Standards. We hold our kids to higher standards, we expect for them to go out into the world and behave in acceptable standards we have set at home. In other words, we encourage our kids not only value themselves, but those around them. They must show kindness towards their peers and themselves, every individual is unique and must be respected for who they are. This will develop their self dignity and self-worth as human beings. Thus becoming healthy social acceptable members of any society. Our kids are positively influenced by other cultures and nationalities, and should embraced them.
I prey to God every night and hope our kids will take that best part of myself and my wife with them into adulthood, and leave the negative aspects out. This is what we all hope for our kids, but once they grow wings and fly, we can only hope they use the examples they learned at home. I would love to hear your thoughts on your best way to teach your kids kindness.