In my last blog post I mentioned that a few years ago THE idea for a children’s book came to mind. The idea was, “The Kindness Machine.” Some of you may be thinking, “Ugh, really? Another book on kindness?” If that is what you’re thinking, let me share my thoughts.
Yes, there already are books out about kindness. Some of my favorites include Have You Filled a Bucket Today by Carol McCloud, A Little SPOT of Kindness by Diane Alber, The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart, and Enemy Pie by Derek Munson. There is a long list of children’s books on kindness already, but can there really be too many?
As a mother and a teacher, I strive to teach my children and my students to be kind. Not only to be kind in my classroom but when they leave my classroom. That might include recess, lunch, sports games, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, music lessons, playdates, family time, or when moving on to the next grade(s).
Kindness is not a topic that can be discussed and mastered by reading one book. The idea of kindness morphs as children grow and can developmentally process more ways to be kind. The concept morphs as their empathy and understanding grows. The concept of kindness must be reiterated until it becomes automatic. Additional books and discussions on kindness will continue to facilitate this process.
I am proud that my first children’s book will be to help continue this conversation. I am extremely proud that the theme in my book is not only to encourage kindness towards others, but also kindness to ourselves.
Christina Dankert 
Thanks for that blog. I think that kids really, really need it now more than ever. There has been so much violence and “dog eat dog” mentality at their disposal, betwixt cartoons and children’s play.. They may not know how to process that or understand that is not the norm. I was just trying to tell my 10-year-old grandbaby why he needed to speak with everyone when logging into school. He is a courteous type, but didn’t understand why he needed to do so, since they would see him there anyway.
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Thank you, Eddye! I feel the same way. The sooner and more frequently children hear this message, hopefully the sooner it sticks. Looking through a variety of lenses and different situations also help kids see beyond their own bubble just ask you described.
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I LOVE that you are addressing “kindness to yourself”. I think this is an often-overlooked topic in books and parenting. I have tried to make an extra effort to help my kids learn and recognize this concept, we always seem to default to teaching a kid to be kind to others, but that it has to start with them. I’m trying to incorporate more “self-kindness” in my daily life too!
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Thank you, Beckel! You would think that being kind to yourself would be even easier than being kind to others, but it’s not or is often put on the back burner. We are our own toughest critics. If we can teach our little people to love themselves early, I hope they will have it mastered by the time they are adults. Also, by taking the time to teach them, it helps remind us as adults to do the same.
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This is a beautiful post. We can never stress the importance of kindness to others–and to ourselves.
Plus, kindness and empathy do go hand-in-hand.
The Kindness banner is wonderful!
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Great job with the blog, Christina. I posted a comment. Love the banner! Have a good week,P
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WOnderful beginning!
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Love this banner, beautiful!
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Love this “ The concept of kindness must be reiterated until it becomes automatic. ”. That is so true!! So proud of you!
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