Following are some of Dr. Borba’s tips for how to flip the focus and cultivate kindness.
- When your children walk out the door, remind them to do one or two kind things each day.
- Show that you value kindness. Do not just ask, “What you get on your test today?” but, “What kind thing did you do?”
- Praise your kids for being kind in the moment – when they have earned it: “That was being kind because you offered your toy to your friend.”
- Make kindness a regular happening. Put a box by your front door for gently used items and when it fills up, drop it off together for a needy family.