At Be My Nounou our motto might be In Fun We Trust, but this is always with a foundation of kindness. As adults/big kids ourselves, we know that kindness isn’t always naturally easy. But as today is World Kindness Day, we thought that there’s no better time to look at how we can promote more kindness among the children we look after.

Here are 5 simple practices that can encourage kindness at home. After all, what goes around, comes around!

1. Reading bedtime stories with kindness at the heart

   It’s bedtime story duty and you’ve got a pile to choose from. A playful mouse, courageous fox or even a tiny prince that lives on an asteroid…the options are endless. But reading stories where kindness is the main theme puts forward great role models for children and shows them the positive outcome of a kind action.

   Here are some children’s books which promote kindness, in English and in French.

2. Smiling more and often!

   A smile a day keeps the bad feels away! That’s not the exact saying but there is scientific evidence to back up the fact that smiling can have positive changes on your mood.
   Even when its fake, putting a brave face on it instantly changes our thought patterns — but you need to really practice it. Which is why it’s such a great thing to adopt at a young age…
   Smiles also get smiles back, so more grins = happiness = more kindness & good vibes.
   Win win win.

3. Putting others first

   Selfless behaviour sets anyone up on the road to a kind life.
   Children might not always be the first to understand why this is important, so creating a situation where fun meets kindness encourages them to see the perks in doing things for others.
   After-school activities like baking for a local charity, clearing up litter or leaves in a local park, or sorting out their wardrobe or old toys to give to children in need, are just some ways to start!

   

4. Helping out at home

   Feeling part of the family unit will help little ones take on responsibility and feel the love when their good actions are well received. You can help them take part in chores around the house, and also doing random acts of kindness like making a meal or baking for their parents, picking flowers for the house, writing a thank you card to Grandma are all good!

   

5. Pet Power

   Caring for animals is a great way to promote loving kindness and it’s proven that people with animals are less stressed and have better immune systems! Beyond that, children that grow up with pets and the responsibilities that come with them are more compassionate.
   Helping out with pet-related chores like feeding and walking show kids what it means to care for something in the physical sense.
   But if there’s no Rex or Mittens at home — then you can play at caring for their stuffed animals. Don’t forget to include giving them food and taking them to the vet!

   

Kindness takes years of constant practice, but as nannies, you have the power to be an amazing role model for small ones. Happy World Kindness Day!