Children are the future.

When I hear the question “how are you going to foster kindness and inclusivity?” I instantly think of children because in the years to come they will be the future.

Children often get bad press, with stories of teasing and bullying in schools with phrases such as ‘kids can be cruel’ regularly used. 

However, I wanted to shine a light on the fact that the majority of children can be kind, caring and empathetic. Yes there are certainly children who can be unkind to others, but there are also children who could teach a lot of adults on how to be accepting and inclusive of others. It’s also our job as parents and teachers to encourage children to be kind and compassionate.

So how can I ensure they keep these wonderful qualities? how can I nurture their kindness and inclusivity?

The key to any of these ways is to start nurturing these qualities early! Children can easily be influenced, either way. So, this year I will start instilling these important values of kindness and acceptance while my son, my friends kids and the other kids of our community are still young. To help to make it part of who they are, then as they grow up and face influences from others, they are less likely to think unkindness and exclusion is OK.

Step one: By reading - Books teach children a lot more than just how to read. In fact, children’s books are my ally when it comes to explaining difficult situations and concepts. Books can shape the way we feel and think about things. They can open up our worlds and foster understanding of differences between us all. Therefore, to help children to be kind and inclusive, I will read books that are of kindness and acceptance to children at our local library on the days that they hold ‘story telling days’. To the children that are old enough, I will ask them questions about the books too and open up basic discussions about right and wrong. There are brilliant books available to help get children thinking about others with special educational needs.

Step two: By praising them- Children thrive on praise. So, I will praise them for being kind and inclusive. I will encourage it with positivity. I will tell them ‘Well Done’, reinforce how that will have made the other children feel and make them feel proud for being lovely!

Step three: By teaching compassion through mindfulness- Mindfulness can enhance attention span and reduce stress, but now researchers are finding that it can also foster empathy.

Step four: By having conversations- Questions and discussions are imperative to nurturing their kindness and inclusivity. Whether it be explaining why someone is misbehaving or discussing disabilities, they are important conversations to have with children.

Step five: By being a role model- One of the most important ways of helping children to be kind and inclusive is to model it yourself. Children learn so much from the ways their caregivers, parents and/or guardians act day to day. If they observe us being kind and caring to others, they will do the same. If they see us treating others with respect and kindness, they will copy.

Step six: By giving back to the community- Meaningful volunteer engagement can widen children’s worldview, teach them gratitude and build their awareness of and sensitivity to others’ struggles. Placing children in unfamiliar settings or uncomfortable situations heightens their ability to empathize with anyone who feels like an outsider or lacks a sense of belonging.

We need to show kindness and inclusivity to these children for they are and will be the future. If we educate these children now, the more they are going to want to make a difference in this world when they grow up.