Five ways parents can teach ‘kindness’ as it is named children’s word of the year
Kindness has been chosen as Children's Word of the Year for 2024 after a survey of thousands of young people.
More than 3,000 children across the UK aged six to 14 were asked for their word of the year, with “kindness”, “artificial intelligence” and “conflict” among the most common suggestions, according to publisher Oxford University Press (OUP).
The research revealed 61% of children chose "kindness" as the Children’s Word of the Year, with many associating the word with mental health.
One child said: “it’s always important to be kind as a lot of people struggle with their mental health” while another said kindness is important “as you don’t know who is suffering”.
Andrea Quincey, a director at OUP, said the choice was "encouraging" and reflected children's increasing awareness of mental health.
"We know from previous years that young people are very conscious of the big issues that can divide us as a society and attuned to the important role which language can play in bringing people together," she said.
"It tells us that empathy and tolerance and the language we use matter, and that kindness is not only a solution to so many problems but is something everyone and anyone can do to make a difference."
The importance of kindness in parenting
It may sound obvious that kindness can help others, but research is increasingly showing being kind also has benefits for our own mental health and wellbeing.
In fact, studies have found that being kind can: reduce stress; improve mood, increase self-esteem, happiness and life satisfaction, create a sense of belonging and reduce loneliness.
Research by the Mental Health Foundation found that 63% of UK adults agree that when other people are kind it has a positive impact on their mental health, and the same proportion agree that being kind to others has the same impact on wellbeing.
It's clear how important the idea of kindness is in our everyday lives, so it is hardly surprising that being kind is the top value parents would like their children to adopt.
What's more, experts say there are benefits to children's development if they do learn to be kind.
"I look at kindness as the foundation of empathy, compassion, and healthy relationships," psychologist Barbara Santini tells Yahoo UK. "Children who learn kindness develop strong emotional intelligence. This helps them navigate friendships, school, and life. Kindness creates a positive world for everyone."
The problem is, outside of asking them to be kind, it is often difficult to know how to actually instil that kindness in children.
How to teach children kindness
Model kindness
Your child will model the kindness they see from you in your actions and behaviours. "Remember that what your child sees or hears from you is what they will reproduce," Fiona Yassin, family psychotherapist, and founder and clinical director of The Wave Clinic tells Yahoo UK.
"If, for example, you are showing physical and verbal aggression at someone who has taken your parking space, your child will model and copy that behaviour. It’s important we try to have a kind and gentle outlook to the way we conduct ourselves in all of our interactions."
Build empathy
According to Santini empathy is essential to kindness. "Parents can nurture empathy by helping children understand their own and others' emotions," she says. "Ask questions such as, 'How do you think your friend felt?' When children recognise how their actions impact others, they choose kindness."
Create opportunities for kindness
Getting children involved in acts of kindness can be a powerful tool for parents. "Encourage children to help a classmate, write a thank-you note, or volunteer," Santini suggests. "These experiences give children a chance to make a difference and see the joy kindness brings."
Choose 'kind' media
The media children consume impacts how they view the world, so Santini recommends selecting media that promotes kindness. "Discuss characters' actions and how they affected others," she adds. "This helps children recognise kindness and inspires them."
Have open conversations
Santini suggests create a safe space for children to discuss kindness. "Encourage them to share stories about times they have been kind or received kindness, and discuss challenges they face in being kind," she adds. "These conversations help children understand kindness and develop strategies.
"By using these strategies parents can help children understand kindness and empower them to grow into compassionate individuals," she adds.
Read more about parenting:
Christine McGuinness says she doesn’t want her children to live between two homes (Yahoo Life UK, 3-min read)
What you should know about Martha’s Rule as hundreds of patients given second opinion (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
Children facing a ‘happiness recession’ says laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce (Guardian, 3-min read)
