We could all use some “warm and fluffy,” especially during the holiday season mixed with many feeling down due to covid.
Here are four ways to instill in kids positivity and kindness- also good habits and rituals as we head into the new year.
Create a Kindness Chart
Scrap the chore chart for a kindness chart. Every time your kids go above and beyond- unasked or prompted- place a sticker on the chart. For every ten, give them a small prize, and once they get 100, throw a pizza party (or something along those lines). The best part about this is that it’s a joint effort among siblings… NOT a competition. It’s not his VS her chart- it’s a SHARED chart, so they’re working together to be awarded for their good deeds (helping around the house, saying something polite, etc).
Recite Positive Affirmations
I’m all for teaching children positive affirmations at an early age. You can buy kid-targeted affirmation cards on Amazon OR make your own. Have your child choose one every morning and during breakfast read it aloud… and again before going to bed. These cards say things like: I like helping my parents; I will do one nice thing for them today.
Journal
Journaling is a great way to teach your kids to express themselves and focus on the GOOD in life. There are plenty of targeted gratitude journals for young kids, with easy fill-in-the-blank prompts making it an easy nightly task. This positive habit will teach your children to be thankful for what they have, gifting them happy thoughts before going to bed.
Hand-Write Cards
This is simple, but sweet… have your kids write a hand-written card to someone they love, or someone they don’t know… someone they appreciate, admire, etc. Teach them that kind, unexpected words go a long way, and can make someone’s day. Consider it a good time to send “thank you” notes to essential workers, teachers and law enforcement.