By Sarah Chana Radcliffe
YOU'RE a kind person, but you see that your child ISN'T... Some kids are born with a generous and kind spirit - but lots aren't! Fortunately, kindness can actually be taught. As usual, you will want to model it. But active instruction is also required. For instance, ask one child to bring a drink to her sick sibling. When she does it, say something like, "Thank you so much Sweetie! It's such an act of kindness to help someone who isn't feeling well. You're the best!" Your big smile and sincere warmth will seal the deal in her brain, helping her to begin growing the circuits she needs for kindness. Create, look out for and encourage acts of kindness. The trick for successful learning is to make sure that you aren't just TALKING about kindness but that you are actually getting your children to perform acts of kindness. Their own action is what instills the wiring for the trait.
