Parent Playbook 3 Overview

How to Support the Development of Kindness & Empathy in Our Youth

A Bullying Resource for Parents & Caring Adults

88% of teens say that the home is the most effective place to learn kindness, compassion, and inclusivity.

The 2022 Choose Kindness Project Survey, conducted by Ipsos

Kindness is a skill that needs to be developed.

It has the power to overcome differences and bridge divides. Just like any other skill, it must be taught and continuously developed. You have the power to start teaching kindness skills at home.

Proactively Building Kindness & Empathy

This resource will explore the following topics in depth:

  • Kindness as a skill
  • Being a role model for your children
  • Social-emotional skills
  • Creating a safe place to share
  • What empathy is, and why it is important
  • Building empathy at home
  • Resources for kindness and empathy
  • Intentional inclusion

Resources are available for you

What is Empathy?

Empathy is a concerned response to another person’s feelings. It involves feeling, thinking, and even a physical reaction that our bodies have to other people when we relate to how they feel.

A key component of practicing kindness and empathy with others is showing patience, generosity, and a willingness to hear someone else’s perspective.

Cultivating Inclusion & Allyship

Intentional Inclusion

Intentional inclusion is when you accept, value, and include someone who is different from you.

Allyship

Allyship, or being an ally, is showing compassion and support for someone or communities who might be a target of bias and or bullying.

How can you promote intentional inclusion and allyship at home?

Not judging others, being mindful to not exclude those who are different from ourselves in our activities, encouraging your child to reach out to those who are either sitting alone or on the sideline.

Five ways to be an ally when you witness bullying or harassment
  1. Support people who are targets for bias and/or bullying, whether you know them or not
  2. Don’t participate
  3. Tell the person who is showing unkind behaviors to stop
  4. Inform a trusted adult
  5. Get to know people instead of judging them. Be an ally online

Actionable, Age-Appropriate Resources

We have options for your situation:

  • Conversation starters
  • Learning activities
  • Playlists
  • Sing-a-long videos
  • Real-life examples
  • Podcasts
  • Practical routines
  • Journal prompts
  • Bingo cards
  • Kindness planner
  • Making videos
  • Games
  • Storytelling
  • Program creation
Emergency Services

Call 911

Emergency: 911

Mental Health Crisis

Call 988

Mental Health Crisis: 988