Social Emotional Newsletter No. 5 – Kindness and Helping

Social Emotional Newsletter No. 5 – Kindness and Helping

Kindness and Helping

Last week was Brook Forest’s “Week of Kindness” and we hope students and families had fun engaging in each day’s theme. Being kind to self and others is something we can always strive to do more of. Not only does this help others to feel good, we feel good about ourselves when we are kind and help others. 

Acts of kindness, both big and small, have been shown to improve self-esteem and self-competency in adolescents (get more research details). Helping and trying things on their own encourages young children to develop positive self-concept and self-esteem (More on that get more details on these concepts). While older students may be more capable of helping out by having responsibilities around the house (for example, putting the trash out, loading/unloading the dishwasher, making lunch), it’s also important for young students to have the opportunity to develop self-confidence by having the opportunity to contribute (for example, tidying up toys, feeding the pet, or dressing one’s self… Yes, now’s the time for wacky outfits!) 

While we’re all home together during this time, providing developmental and age-appropriate opportunities for children to help out with not only helps them to grow and feel good, but can help you to feel good, too!

Pre-K:

Elementary:

Junior High: