Raising kind children is one of the most important tasks a parent has. In a world where empathy and compassion are increasingly needed, teaching our kids to be kind can make a significant difference. One effective way to do this is through asking thought-provoking questions that encourage them to think about kindness in their daily lives. Here’s a list of questions you can ask your child to inspire kindness:
Questions About Understanding Kindness
- What does kindness mean to you?
- Can you name a time when someone was really kind to you? How did it make you feel?
- What are some ways you can show kindness to your friends/family?
- Why do you think it is important to be kind?
- How can you be kind to someone who isn’t kind to you?
Reflecting on Daily Acts of Kindness
- What’s one kind thing you did today?
- Did you help anyone today? How?
- Did you see anyone being kind today? What did they do?
- How can you make someone smile tomorrow?
- Who in your class or school do you think needs extra kindness right now?
Understanding Others’ Feelings
- How do you think [friend/family member] felt when [specific situation]?
- Have you ever felt left out? How can you make sure others don’t feel that way?
- What can you do if you see someone being bullied or treated unfairly?
- Why do you think it’s important to listen to others?
- Can you think of a time when someone was sad and you helped them feel better?
Imagining Kindness in Various Scenarios
- If you saw a new kid at school looking lonely, what could you do?
- What would you do if you found someone’s lost toy or item at school?
- If you could do one big act of kindness, what would it be?
- How can you be kind to animals?
- What would you do if you saw someone being left out of a game?
Self-Reflection on Kindness
- How does being kind make you feel inside?
- Do you think you are a kind person? Why or why not?
- What can you do to be kinder to yourself?
- How can being kind make our home a happier place?
- What’s one thing you wish everyone would do to be kinder?
Broader Perspective on Kindness
- How can you show kindness to people in other countries?
- What are some ways we can be kind to the environment?
- How can kindness make the world a better place?
- Do you think leaders should be kind? How can they show it?
- What’s a kind rule you would make if you were in charge of the world?
By regularly engaging in these conversations, we not only teach our children about kindness but also encourage them to think deeply about their actions and their impact on others. These questions can be a starting point for discussions at dinner, during car rides, or before bedtime. Remember, the goal is not to get perfect answers but to open their minds and hearts to the value and impact of kindness.
