Kindness isn’t just about saying “please” and “thank you” (although that’s a great start!). It’s about the small, thoughtful actions that make the world a little brighter. For children, learning different types of kindness helps them develop empathy, strengthen friendships, and boost their own wellbeing. Mind Marvels believes in helping young minds understand the power of kindness – not just in grand gestures, but in everyday moments too. 

Mind Marvels believes kindness is such an important life skill that we even have a whole session based on it. Check out our engaging wellbeing sessions here!

Why kindness matters for children’s wellbeing

Let’s be honest: life as a child can be tough. From sharing toys to navigating friendships, children experience a rollercoaster of emotions daily. But here’s the magic: acts of kindness don’t just help others; they boost children’s own mental wellbeing too! Children who practise kindness feel happier, build stronger social connections, and gain a sense of purpose. Plus, kindness is contagious—one small act can start a ripple effect of positivity.

Different types of kindness children can show

1. Kindness through words

A kind word can go a long way! Whether it’s saying “good job” to a friend or telling a family member they’re loved, words have the power to uplift and connect. Encouraging children to use kind words builds confidence and helps them develop positive communication skills.

2. Kindness through actions

Sometimes, kindness is about what we do rather than what we say. Holding the door open, helping a classmate tidy up, or offering to share a toy—these small actions teach children that kindness is an active choice. We like to encourage little ones to notice when someone needs help and take action in a way that feels good to them.

3. Kindness through listening

Being a good listener is a powerful way to show kindness. When children take the time to truly listen—whether it’s a friend sharing a story or a sibling expressing their feelings—they show that they care. Teaching children active listening skills helps them build deeper, more meaningful relationships.

4. Kindness through inclusion

No one likes to feel left out. Encouraging children to invite others into games, celebrate differences, and be open to new friendships encourages inclusivity. It’s important to remember that kindness means ensuring everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of their background, abilities, or experiences.

5. Kindness to themselves

Let’s not forget self-kindness! Teaching children to speak to themselves with the same kindness they show others is crucial for building self-esteem. Reminding them it’s okay to make mistakes and encouraging positive self-talk helps them develop a resilient and compassionate mindset.

Activities to promote kindness for children

Looking for fun ways to encourage kindness? Here are some simple activities to help children practise compassion and empathy in everyday life:

• Kindness Jar – Have children write down kind things they do each day and place them in a jar. At the end of the week, celebrate their efforts and reflect on how their actions made a difference.
• Compliment Circle – Encourage children to sit in a circle and share something kind about the person next to them. This builds confidence and reinforces the power of kind words.
• Acts of Kindness Bingo – Create a bingo card with different kind acts (e.g., help a friend, share a toy, give someone a high five). Children can mark off acts as they complete them and aim for a full card!
• Storytelling About Kindness – Read books or create stories that highlight kindness, empathy, and inclusivity. Discuss the characters’ actions and how kindness played a role.
• Thank You Notes – Have children write thank you notes to family members, teachers, or friends to show appreciation and gratitude.

But here’s the magic: acts of kindness don’t just help others; they boost children’s own mental wellbeing too!

Spreading the ripple effect of kindness

Kindness isn’t just a skill; it’s a superpower. By encouraging children to practise different types of kindness, we help them build emotional intelligence, strengthen relationships, and feel more connected to the world. Plus, let’s be honest – seeing children share, help, and support one another makes the world a much nicer place for everyone!

Explore our wellbeing sessions here and help them grow into compassionate, confident individuals!