Kindness When Traveling
When traveling with your family and children, we think it’s important to remember that your kindness goes a long, long way, in the morning and the night, all through out the day. How can one accomplish teaching their children to be kind? I will always stand by the ol’ cliche of being a role model. Children are watching their parents, grandparents, adult members of the family whether we believe it or not. You may not see it today, but believe me, in the days and the years that go by you will recognize characteristics in your children or grandchildren that were portrayed by those around you. If you build a firm foundation to begin with, the journey of raising your children will become clearer, easier to navigate and add much needed grounding to your relationship. Balance, for sure, it’s important to be the parent/adult before becoming their friend.
How To Teach Children Kindness:
Teaching kindness is a vital value to instill in our children, it teaches empathy, compassion and moral character. How does one teach this trait to children? Our character Warm-Hearted Walrus has a few tips to help you get started:
Be a role model for as much as you think your child isn’t watching what you do or listening to what you say, the truth is, they are.
Do charity work, allow your child to accompany you on some of these events, such as:
a. Helping out a neighbor, by mowing the lawn, shoveling he walk way, baking a dish if they are ill, listening to what they have to say
b. Volunteering at a community event
c. Donating to a local food pantry
Use kind words in your home, be good at communicating
Use kind actions in your home and include your children
Learn to be a better listener, this is something I think many of us could improve upon
Ask your children questions, be open and honest and sincerely concerned and they will open their hearts up to you
THE TRUTH IS THAT THERE IS NO EASY WAY TO TEACH A CHILD TO BE KIND, BUT TAKING ONE STEP AT A TIME IS A GOOD PLACE TO START. BUILDING A FIRM FOUNDATION ALLOWS MORE GROWTH, MORE UNDERSTANDING AND MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR CHILDREN. MISS JONI
Here are some ways to teach kids kindness while traveling:
Be a role model-I can’t emphasize this enough! When you demonstrate gratitude, ways to be helpful, use kind words and gestures, your child will know you mean business. If you do it, they will want to do this, too!
Talk to your kids before traveling so they have a better understanding of where you’re going. The zoo, what will they see?
Read books about the places you travel to and visit. Encourage your kids to read about places they would like to travel to.
If you’re traveling to a new culture, talk with your kids about the language, the food and the location. These may be different from what they are used to, however, being kind will always remain. Kindness never goes out of style!
Teach them how to say and write these new words.
If you’re traveling to meet family maybe new and old friends, share pictures and stories about them to that they are a little bit familiarized with them.
Traveling opens up new adventures, new views, new people and new places. This helps your own children develop an understanding of the world around them, the diversity that embodies our world. Once you work on a firm foundation of good character and kindness, your children will want to learn more. Take the time to listen.
BE PREPARED!
If you’re traveling a distance, first make sure your children are well rested, fed and dressed appropriately.
Have an activity box for them to work on and keep them occupied while traveling. Coloring books, crayons, journals, drawing paper, books and things that they enjoy working on.
Bring a clip board with stationary and encourage them to write a letter to the person(s) they are visiting.
Bring a clip board with copy paper and ask them to draw a picture of the place you’re traveling to. What will be different there from where you are traveling from?
Bring a clip board and paper and have them write down polite words in English and in a new language.
Bring snacks and drinks and even things to do if you stop at a rest area, like bubbles, jump rope or a ball to play catch.
Here is Warm-Hearted Walrus Coloring and Kindness activity book.
Take Warm-Hearted Walrus with you as a visual reminder to be KIND. Learn more about the Characters of Character Travel Pals here.