Parents Urged To Make Kindness Part Of Back-To-School Preparation
Mental health consultant Izaiah Lutchman says teaching children the value of kindness can help build resilience, strengthen their emotional and social development, and even improve their academic performance.
International studies published in resources like the Greater Good Science Centre show that developing social skills like cooperation and kindness in the early stages of human development fosters better classroom behaviour and helps lower dropout rates.
« Research usually shows us that children with strong social and emotional skills tend to perform better academically and have healthier relationships; they may be more resilient in the face of challenges. So parents usually send their kidsoff to school right now, stating, ‘Did you pack your bag?’ but instead they should approach it by asking, ‘How are you feeling to go to school? How are you feeling going back? What are you excited about? What might be worrying you right now?’ And that might help them create that safe bond that might aid them in going to school with emotional safety. »
Mr Lutchman noted that children also need to understand that a person’s character matters more than material possessions.
« We need to treat and teach children that possessions do not equal worth. We teach them instead about soft skills and what really matters. So you ask a child, ‘What might make a good friend? What makes you a good person? Is it the new shoes that you have, or is it the way you treat someone?' »
Mr Lutchman stressed that parents and guardians need to model the behaviour they want from their children.
« If a child sees a parent being kind and speaking kindly about others with empathy, they learn and acknowledge that it’s okay, and then they should model that behaviour to also be kind. So I would say to parents, or even guardians, your children are watching you. They are listening to you. They are learning how to interact with the spaces around them from you, and what they take into the classroom is what they oftentimes what they see around them from parents or socialisation circles. »
With the new school year set to begin on Monday, Mr Lutchman urged parents to encourage their children to embrace kindness and compassion.
