Promoting Kindness and Respect in Our Kids

Parenting has never been easy—but raising kind and respectful kids in today’s fast-paced, digital-first world presents an entirely new set of challenges. While our children are growing up with incredible access to information and connection, they’re also navigating pressures we never experienced at their age. Two words: Social Media. (And yes, we’ll get to that!)

So how do we raise kids who not only know right from wrong but also choose kindness and respect in everyday life? It starts with us.

Model Kindness and Respect

Children learn what they live. When we model respectful communication, healthy boundaries, and empathy in our own lives, our kids take note.“Correct your children, don’t criticize them.”This subtle shift encourages growth rather than shame.

Watch: How to Teach Kids to Respect You by Dad University

Nurture EmpathyEmpathy is the heart of kindness. Help your child recognize and understand the feelings of others.Try asking questions like, “How do you think they felt when that happened?” after watching a show or reading a story.Books and movies are great empathy-builders.

Try this: Respect? Be Nice!

Practice Kindness DailyKindness is a muscle—use it often. Make kindness part of your family rhythm.Leave kind notes on lunchboxesLet your child help choose a way to give backCelebrate kind moments around the dinner table

Watch: Be Kind | A Kid’s Guide to Kindness

Communicate Expectations

Children need clear, consistent boundaries. Talk about what respect looks like at home, school, and online. Set expectations and allow space for open conversations.Respect starts small—holding the door open, listening without interrupting, or saying thank you.

Celebrate Good Choices

Catch your child being kind.Positive reinforcement is powerful. Whether it’s a high five, a special privilege, or a kind word—acknowledging respectful behavior makes it more likely to happen again.

Watch: Kindness and Respect

Check the Messages They’re Receiving

Be aware of the media your child consumes. Whether it’s a TV show, TikTok trend, or video game, use it as a tool for discussion. Ask:What did you think about how that character treated others?Is that how we treat people in real life?

Media can either reinforce or unravel your hard work at home—stay involved and curious.

Words That Inspire

Sometimes the right words stick with us forever. A few favorites to share:

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain“A small act of kindness can brighten anyone’s day.” – Child Psychologist“Children who are kind will not only be kind to others, but also to themselves.”

Final Thoughts

The world needs kind, respectful, emotionally strong kids—and our homes are where that starts. These aren't just “nice to haves”—they’re life skills that help kids thrive in school, relationships, and even future careers.

Let’s be intentional. Let’s be kind. Let’s raise kids who make the world a better place.

Looking for More Parenting Support?

We offer free online parenting classes every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 6:30 PM via Zoom. Join us from the comfort of your home as we explore topics that help you raise strong, confident, and emotionally healthy kids.

Sign up or learn more at lubbockfamily.org

Sources:

Center on the Developing Child – Harvard University

Child Mind Institute

Common Sense Media

American Academy of Pediatrics