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The power of kindness

 

Let’s face it, the world can sometimes feel like a big competition, and our boys are watching closely. From sports games to classrooms, they’re learning that ‘winning’ often gets the spotlight.  But as parents we have an incredible opportunity to show our boys that kindness and respect are just as powerful as any trophy.

As parents, we can start by modelling these behaviours ourselves. When your son sees you treating others with kindness, even in challenging situations, he learns that being considerate is just as valuable as winning. Talk to your son about how it feels to be on the receiving end of kindness or a good gesture. Encourage small acts like saying “please” and “thank you’, sharing toys, or cheering on a friend, even if he’s playing against them.

In situations where competition arises – whether it’s sport, school, or even sibling rivalries – remind your son that it’s not just about being the best but also about supporting others. Teach him that respect isn’t a sign of weakness but of true strength.

Creating opportunities for your son to help others, like volunteering or small acts of generosity, can make kindness second nature. Boys who learn to be kind and respectful grow into men who make the world a better place—not just through their achievements, but through the way they treat others.

10 ways to encourage kindness in your son:

  1. Lead by example. Let your son see you doing small acts of kindness, like holding the door open, helping a neighbour, or offering a kind word. Kids often mimic what they see.
  2. Praise kindness. When you see your son being kind, acknowledge it. Let him know you noticed and appreciate his thoughtful actions.
  3. Read stories about kindness. Choose books or movies with themes of empathy, friendship, and helping others. Discuss the characters’ actions and what your son thinks about them.
  4. Encourage helping at home. Give him small responsibilities, like helping a sibling with homework or setting the dinner table. It can help to build a habit of considering others’ needs.
  5. Set up acts of generosity. Involve him in activities like baking treats for friends or family or donating toys he no longer uses. It can help to teach him the joy of giving.
  6. Volunteer together. Find local community activities, such as beach clean-ups or charity events, to teach the value of helping others.
  7. Encourage sharing. Let him practise sharing toys, snacks, or other belongings with friends and family members.
  8. Create a kindness jar. Whenever someone in the family does something kind, drop a note into the jar. Review them together to celebrate the positive moments.
  9. Talk about feelings. Ask your son how he feels in different situations and how he thinks others might feel. Building empathy encourages kind actions.
  10. Encourage compliments. Teach your son the power of a genuine compliment. It could be as simple as saying something nice about a friend’s drawing or acknowledging when someone does something well. Compliments help build confidence and foster a positive environment.

For a simple bedtime kindness routine to try with your son, click through to our Understanding Boys article A 6 step kindness routine to try before bed written by Dr Ray Swann.

Brought to you by Brighton Grammar School

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