10 reasons for being kind

One of our family principles is to be kind.

It is displayed on our chart in our lounge room. To see the chart we made click HERE
We had such fun making it!

We sure have needed it as a reminder around here lately.
Everyone is fighting for themselves and there needs to be a refocus on kindness.

I think my kids have learned how to be kind to themselves - meaning they know what makes them happy and how to get what they want. They sure are not afraid to ask us or others for it!

What they need a refocus on is being kind to others.
A reminder that others means family members too.

For me this means I need to be setting the example and showing kindness to everyone around the house too. How can I ask them to step up if I am not doing it...sometimes I hate it when this happens. I have to slow down and really put a lot more effort into watching what I am saying and doing. But I find the rewards of doing this worth it.

Photo from Random acts of kindness

I found a great blog: Random acts of kindness and here are some of the reasons that they wrote about for being kind. I want to pass these onto my kids:

1. Being kind feels good. Doing something for someone else really does make us feel good. Make someone smile and you'll feel better for having done so.

2. God smiles on kindness. Most leaders of religions were kind and encouraged their followers to be likewise.

3. Kindness broadens our perspective. In order to be kind, we have to pay attention to what is happening around us. As we notice more things and help others, we get a glimpse of other ways of looking at things.

4. Kindness softens our heart. When we look for kind deeds, beauty, and the opportunity for kindness, we'll find that we are more compassionate and more tolerant. As we practice empathy, it opens our heart to others.

5. Kindness brightens our world. When we are kind to people, it makes them happy. The more people who experience kindness from us, the more happy people will be in our lives. When those around us are happier, our world becomes a brighter, lighter place to live.

6. Kindness helps people feel respected and less alone. By recognizing someone's need for help and acting on it in a compassionate manner, it makes the recipient feel valued. It also makes the giver feel better about themselves and more connected.

7. Kindness makes people want to be around us. One of the most common responses to kindness is gratitude. People appreciate what we've done for them. Our kindness is very attractive, so they want to be around us and actually seek us out.

8. Kindness bears wonderful fruit. Kindness begets kindness, openness, health and reduces the effects of stress on our bodies and our hearts.

9. Kindness begets kindness. When you are kind to others, the impact of your action doesn't stop there. Many times the recipient of your kindness and others who see or hear about your kindness are inspired to be kinder. The ripples of kindness are truly endless.

10. Your kids will learn from your example. When you are kind to friends and acquaintances, your kids will be more likely to be kind as well.

This list is a great preparation for the school holidays that are coming up where we will be in each others faces all the time. This is when the real test of kindness will happen for them and for me!