Encouraging Kindness at Home and School

January 19, 2026

Kindness is a habit that can be fostered both at home and at school. When children witness and practise small acts of kindness, they learn to value empathy and respect. There are many simple ways families and educators can encourage kindness every day.

At home, set a positive example. Use polite language and show appreciation for the efforts of others. Encourage your child to help with household tasks and praise them when they show thoughtfulness. You can create a kindness jar where everyone writes down acts of kindness they notice. Once the jar is full, celebrate the caring environment you have created.

In the classroom, teachers can build kindness into the daily routine. Morning meetings are a great time for students to share something kind they did or witnessed. Assign classroom jobs that promote helping others, such as being the librarian helper or cleanup leader. At the end of the week, have students reflect on how they felt when they were kind or someone was kind to them.

Reading books like Friends, Not Foes sparks discussions about kindness. Talk about how Niza felt when others were kind to her and how she responded. Challenge students to perform a kind act during recess or lunch and then discuss their experiences. Making kindness visible helps it become part of the classroom culture.

Whether at home or at school, consistency is key. Practising kindness regularly will help children carry these habits into all areas of their lives. They learn that even small gestures can make a big difference to someone’s day.