The Power of Kindness
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
If there is one thing I have learnt in life it is that being kind matters, kindness is a strength that transcends age, culture, and circumstance. It’s the ability to show care, empathy, and concern for others, even in the face of challenges. Teaching our children the value of kindness is like planting a seed that can grow into a flourishing garden of positive relationships and a harmonious community. One of my favourite aspects of my role is to take prospective families on a tour of the College. Whilst on the tour I often ask students what their favourite thing about Investigator College is, overwhelmingly one of the key answers is that the teachers and students are kind. When I ask for feedback on how a new child has settled I ask what have you noticed about your new school, the children again mention that the students are so kind.
As a College community, kindness is a strength we focus on continuously and always remind our students about, we praise children from a young age for being kind to one another and always try to role model being kind as it has a great impact on the wellbeing of ourselves and others.
Why Kindness Matters
- Connection: Kindness builds bridges between people. It fosters connections, making us feel more closely linked to our family, friends, and even strangers. It is one of the reason why Investigator College is such a special community to be a part of.
- Empathy: It nurtures empathy, enabling us to understand and relate to the feelings and needs of others.
- Resilience: Acts of kindness can bolster emotional resilience, both for the giver and the receiver. It creates a cycle of positivity.
- Community: A kinder world starts with individuals. When we raise children to be kind, we contribute to creating a more compassionate and inclusive society.
Role Modelling Kindness
As teachers, parents and caregivers, we have a profound influence on our children’s development, including their understanding of kindness. Here are some ways to role model kindness in our everyday lives:
- Show Respect: Treat others with respect and courtesy, regardless of differences. This teaches children the importance of valuing every individual.
- Practice Empathy: Encourage your children to consider how others might be feeling. Ask questions like, “How do you think your friend felt when that happened?”
- Volunteer Together: Engaging in community service or volunteering as a family is an excellent way to demonstrate the power of kindness in action. Our Term 2 Anglicare initiative was a fantastic example of the community getting together to serve others.
- Be Patient: Model patience and understanding when your child faces challenges. Show them that kindness extends to those closest to us.
- Acknowledge Acts of Kindness: Recognise and celebrate moments when your child demonstrates kindness. Reinforce this behaviour by highlighting its positive impact.
Kindness Challenges
Consider setting “Kindness Challenges” for your family. These could include acts such as helping a neighbour, sending a thoughtful note to a friend, or donating items to those in need. Make it a family project to brainstorm and execute these acts together.
Kindness can be nurtured
Kindness is a character strength that can be nurtured in every one of us, young and old alike. As we guide our children through the journey of life, let’s remember that teaching them the value of kindness is a gift that will serve them—and the world—well.
Together, let’s create a community where kindness is not just a word but a way of life.
