Science of Parenting: Teach kids kindness and compassion

AMES ? Children aren?t born knowing how to be kind or compassionate. However, these virtues can be taught, say the Science of Parenting bloggers from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

"How do we raise kids who are compassionate and kind? We can give them opportunities to practice being kind,? said Janet Smith, a human sciences specialist in family life.

?Children must learn to be kind, just as we learn language. Practice makes perfect and parents can encourage such simple opportunities like helping with housework,? Smith said.

?Parents can help children learn how to focus on others who need help. Children need to hear from their parents that caring for others is a top priority,? said Lori Hayungs, also a human sciences specialist in family life.

?Harvard researchers tell us that children aren?t born good or bad, and we should never give up on them. They need adults who will help them, at every stage of their childhood, to become caring, respectful and responsible for their communities,? Hayungs said.

This month Smith and Hayungs will share ideas about the importance of raising children to be kind and compassionate. They?ll talk about how to help children practice caring and gratitude. They also will discuss how parents can be strong moral role models and mentors for their children.

Learn more from tips on the blog throughout the month and in a four-minute podcast. Through the Science of Parenting, www.scienceofparenting.org, ISU Extension and Outreach specialists share and discuss research-based information and resources to help parents rear their children. Parents can join in the conversation and share thoughts and experiences, as well as how they handle parenting responsibilities.