1. Kindness is a powerful force for good in the world. In current times we need as much of it as possible within our communities. We need to promote it more as we experience more poverty, disconnection, homelessness and loneliness.
2. There are many different ways to be kind and even small acts of kindness can have a huge impact. From holding a door open to volunteering within the community – each act of kindness has a trickle positive effect on other people.
3. Kindness cannot be taught to children by lecturing them about how unkind they are. They have to witness it. It can be learned and practised. Everyone can become kinder with practice.
4. Kindness is contagious. When children see other people being kind they tend to mimic the behaviour or become inspired into helping others without realising it.
5. Kindness acts as a reward in itself. It is linked to better relationships, positive mental health outcomes and greater sense of purpose and meaning.
6. Kindness is not a weakness. It is a strength. For instance, it takes strength and courage to be kind when faced with adversity. But kindness allows us to put our circumstances into better context.
7. Kindess is not always easy especially when we are angry or disillusioned but small steps rekindle its powerful effects.
8. A pre-cursor to kindness is empathy and imagining ourselves in the shoes of others is a good starting point. This empathy is the gateway.
9. Often children need opportunities to experience its positive effects. Visiting old peoples homes, sick neighbours or helping other children with special needs allows them to see the real world.
10. Being assured that your daughter or son would fall in love with a naturally kind-hearted person would be a great consolation in the minefield of relationships. You should explain to them the importance of kindness as a trait.
Parents have the primary role in the promotion of kindness in their children. Schools can complement these efforts but can only do so much. By prioritising kindness we would reduce stress levels and foster a degree of positivity that we all need at the moment.
Don’t miss my public shows coming to theatres in Sligo and Monaghan soon.
Tickets for new show Wake Up! You’re Here! are on sale now. This is a chance for the general public to hear my messages about living life fully despite challenges. The show will combine psychology, poetry, storytelling, and humour. Tickets are available now.
Tickets for the Iontas Theatre, Castleblayney on September 5th at 8pm are on sale here
Tickets for the Hawk’s Well, Sligo on September 10th 8pm on sale here
