Back to school time is always filled with such a huge range of emotions, for both parents and kids! As my kids start in new classes with new faces I know they get nervous about making friends. While they are excited for the adventures that await them they still get nervous! I am constantly trying to teach my children ways to give back to others, support causes and be kind. However, when it comes to being around kids their own age it seems like a constant work in progress.
There are a few tricks I have found to really work when trying to teach my kids ways to make friends and to make others feel included.
1-What do they like: Whether it’s the beginning of the school year or there is a new student in the class I put the kids to work. For example I often send my son Derek into school with an assignment. He has to come home and tell me 3 superheroes that one person likes. Then the next day I make him find out at least one person that likes baseball like he does. By the third day he typically he has things to tell me about the kids without me even giving him a job!
2-Bring an extra: No, it’s not my job to supply all the kids in the class with my son’s favorite Pokemon cards BUT when he has so many cards and there are a select few kids he is playing with, I encourage him to share his cards. To give a a friend a card or two. It teaches him to share and makes the other kids feel special and included.
3-Make sure nobody is alone: Sometimes kids pair up, it’s a fact of life. I pair up with my closest friends but it never means I want anyone to feel left out. I tell the kids if they see someone on the playground that is alone to run up and ask them to come play. Maybe the other child doesn’t want to play but at least they were asked!
4-BE NICE: No, I don’t think my kids need to be best friends with every kid in the class but YES they MUST be nice! End of Story!! I don’t let them be mean and if they are they have to go up to the child, look them in the eye and say SORRY!! They must look them in the eye!!
A lot of times my children learn lessons from stories in books and on shows. Here are a few of my favorites
Books that Promote Kindness
12 Netflix Titles to Promote Kindness and Acceptance |
|
For your big kids: |
|
|
|
1. Rudy
2. Mulan 3. A Mile in His Shoes 4. Radio 5. Good Luck Charlie: Down a Tree 6. Glee |
|
Want even more titles about kindness and acceptance? Our friends at Common Sense Media have shared a list of TV and movie titles that teach empathy – check out the list here. |
 |
|
And your little ones: |
|
|
|
|
Kindness Punch Box |
Inspire your kids to do good by turning random acts of kindness into a fun game. With the Kindness Punch Box, your kids can break through each tissue-papered hole to reveal a kindness challenge, like smiling at everyone you meet or making a sweet treat to share with your neighbors. Click here to learn how make your own.
|
|
|
|
|
| Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links |
It is so important to teach our kids to be kind and accepting of others.
I love this! I’ve had similar conversations with my girls. I remember what it was like to feel comforted when someone who was more outgoing and social than I was came and befriended me. It can help build confidence in addition to make the child feel welcome.