Golden Rules 3: We are kind and helpful

Helpfulness and kindness always involve action. They are something we do – something we do often, but which is very powerful and special. Kindness can only be taught in kind and gentle ways, so we need to teach through example and sprinkle kindness like stardust on all the children in our care. When we do this often enough, a rainbow of ‘prosocial’ behaviour appears and shines through everyone around us. This rainbow can be seen in the way they act towards one another with thoughtfulness, friendliness, unselfishness, respect, consideration, forgiveness and generosity, as some of its wonderful colours.

Every act of kindness is a caring message from one person to others. It is one of the best ways of showing that we care about the people around us and want to play our part in building a strong community in which everyone feels valued and secure.

We know that you are already performing a thousand acts of kindness every day – smiling at your children, complimenting them, giving them encouragement and nurture and the confidence to attempt more and more complicated things. Here is a short selection of activities that you can use to focus their attention on one of the most important golden rules.

Champion child