Everyone has someone that makes them smile just being around them. Someone who comes into a room and makes it brighter. Someone who really shines because they have that “something special” about them. Caregivers at a Silver Spring preschool share that caring about others helps us build stronger relationships and deeper emotional connections with them. When we care about the people around us, we let ourselves live happier and fuller lives.
Caring about others benefits kids because it improves their mental well-being and helps them make friends. Children grow and develop better when they learn to be caring and kind. When they get older, kids who are liked act more positively and are less likely to bully others.
Teaching your child to care for others starts at home and is also taught at our Silver Spring preschool. You give your child the foundation they need to reach out to others when you kiss your daughter’s sore spots or read your son’s cozy bedtime stories. Here are some ideas that will help you teach your child how to be kind and caring.
Having empathy for others is the base of emotional literacy. Teaching kids to recognize their feelings from a young age is an easy way to help them develop this trait. Telling a child things like, “I see you’re frustrated” or “I get it, you’re upset” can help them understand how emotions make them feel. Kids need to learn how to deal with their feelings before understanding how others feel.
Don’t be afraid to teach feelings like you teach colors and numbers. An emotionally intelligent child will learn that emotions are not always black and white. Asking your child about other people’s feelings can help them feel better. Children will understand emotions better if you teach them about their feelings and how their actions can affect others.
Help your kids figure out good ways to settle disagreements. Help them understand that being compassionate means more than just understanding how someone feels; it also means doing things to improve things. One easy way to do this is to apologize for a mistake, own up to your actions, admit when you were wrong, or look for ways to assist someone in need.
Always acknowledge your child when they do something nice for you or someone else. Sometimes, little kids do things without knowing if those things are good or bad. Because of this, you should always tell your child to thank you when they do something nice. Your child will learn that caring matters because you are taking the time to talk about how they are making a difference. When they start to see themselves as caring, they will act in a caring way.
Your kid needs to have someone to look up to. An important way to teach your child how to care about others is to be a good example for them, answer their questions, and praise their successes. When they see how much you love and care for them, it will be easier for them to show others the same kindness.
In the same way, you should hold yourself and everyone else in the family responsible for being kind. Sending mixed messages to your son is not a good idea if you tell him that his words can hurt someone’s feelings and then yell at your partner right after. Make sure you stick to your words and do what you say. If this happens, say sorry to your partner and show your son how to do the same thing. That way, if he does it, he will know that saying sorry is right.
Show your kids how important it is to actively listen to other people. Tell them to keep the conversation going, keep eye contact, nod, and ask follow-up questions. Paying close attention shows that they value and respect the speaker’s point of view.
Make time to talk to your child about being tolerant and respectful of others. Your child can learn about the different kinds of people in the world by doing many things, like reading books, eating different kinds of food, going to museums, volunteering, or even attending events by different religions or ethnic groups. Talk to your kid about these activities, and be honest with them.
It’s important to talk about the differences between your child’s preschool Silver Spring, MD, community, and home life. Celebrating cultural diversity is an important part of your child’s growth. If you don’t teach your child about other cultures, they might not understand how people who are different from them feel.
Do nice things together as a family every day. This could mean volunteering together, reading an educational book, giving money to a local non-profit, or just helping someone who needs it. Your kids will learn what kindness can do for someone or a community if you do these things with them and tell them how their actions make other people’s lives better.
It can be hard to do this when you live in a world where technology is always around you. But it’s important to remember that talking and playing with your child in person is very important for their development. Teach your child that talking to someone face-to-face is still more important than using electronics, even if they are just watching TV. There’s no reason for your child to be mean if they spend time in front of a screen, but too much screen time can hurt their feelings and personality. Technology should be used in moderation, and you should spend as much time as possible talking to your child in person instead of through a screen.
Your actions and conversations with your child from infancy should always reinforce caring behaviors. This is the best way to teach your child to care about others. Over time, they will internalize these values and turn into naturally kind and caring people. Our Silver Spring, MD infant care providers and you are working together to raise incredible individuals who positively impact others by nurturing compassion from an early age
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.