As you are creating your bucket list of things to do before summer is over, why not embrace the last days of summer by spreading kindness? While an instance of kindness can be powerful and even make you feel good, the real benefit of kindness comes from repeating acts of kindness over and again. Let’s help our children embrace the last days of summer with kind acts of service.
The Power of Listening with Your Heart
True listening is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. While we believe we are good at listening, research tells us that we really only listen at about 25% efficacy. Other studies suggest that we are forgetful and distracted when listening 75% of the time. Great listening is something that is trained, honed and practiced. We can practice taking the time to stop, give someone our full attention, let them speak without interruption, ask follow-up questions, and refrain from judgment.
Raising Helpful, Responsible Kids Begins with Chores
Research shows that one of the best ways to help children become successful is to engage them regularly in chores from an early age. Chores are important because they teach children basic skills, provide a sense of responsibility, instill values of hard work and promote the common good! They also can be really helpful for the family unit!
Cultivate Empathy and Grow Compassion
Double Up on Health Benefits by Giving Back Outside
Challenging Conversations in Difficult Times
The news is filled with stories of families fleeing Ukraine, and your children may be asking challenging questions about these heartbreaking situations. As a parent, I want to protect my children from great sadness and information they may not be ready for, but I also want them to learn empathy, kindness, generosity, and compassion for those in need.. Children who learn they can make a difference become adults who change the world for the better.
Sharing Love for the Common Good
The “common good” has been around since the time of Greek philosophers – the idea that if we all cooperate and work together, we can make the world a better place. And that is what you do so passionately with your children. You come together as a family and with friends, to make a difference in the world.
DGT 2021 Best Picks
We have such gratitude for our big-hearted community of families and partners that have supported us this past year. You are all inspirational in the ways you take what we create and find energy, space, and time to prioritize your values in teaching your children. This month, I want to spotlight DGT’s best creations of 2021.
Spread Kindness This Holiday Season
The last couple of years have overstretched our patience, creativity, and emotions. That means it is more important than ever to connect with others, spark kindness in one another, spread joy, love your neighbors, and remember compassion. Here are some ideas to bring kindness into your home this holiday season.
Gratitude in Transitions
Parting Words: Lessons I’ve Learned about Kindness and Kids
I am deeply grateful to all of you for understanding the profound impact that raising thoughtful, compassionate, engaged children has for their well-being – and that of our families and communities. Under MiaLisa’s leadership, we will continue to add tools and resources to make this practice integral to your lives.
Inviting Kindness and Joy to Dinner
Celebrate Summer with Guerilla Kindness!
Celebrate this almost-back-to-normal summer by savoring our togetherness and bringing a little joy to others. Choose one of the simple projects below to have some creative fun, while contributing to a community culture of encouragement and compassion. You never know how far these simple ripples of kindness will travel.
Put Your Child in Someone Else’s Shoes
Sliding into someone else’s shoes helps us understand another person’s motives and emotions. And it’s a critical skill: research suggests that those with this ability are better at making friends and forming social relationships. Not surprisingly, perspective-taking also makes us more inclined to help and to act with compassion. Fortunately, this is a skill that can be taught.
The Magic of Music
Music can be magic: it can make us healthier and happier, reduce stress, and connect people across cultures. At home, music can not only calm and soothe children, it can also improve memory, increase academic skills, and encourage creativity. Plus, there’s evidence that regularly playing music together can increase empathy. Here’s how to use music to bring more joy, compassion, and hope into your family’s life and the lives of others.
Practicing Kindness: An Age-by-Age Guide
In Praise of Boredom
At this point in the pandemic, boredom is inevitable. But researchers insist that occasional boredom is an opportunity we should embrace because it comes with important benefits: It sparks creativity, nurtures imagination and problem solving, and opens up much-needed opportunities for quiet and reflection.
Why Stories Matter and How to Use Them to Make a Difference
Stories are powerful – and innately human. They help us understand one another, provide windows into different cultures and time periods, and increase our capacity for empathy. Because they hold great power, the stories kids hear make a difference in how they perceive the world. Here are some ways to amplify the power of storytelling within your family.
Doing Good Together: Our Best of 2020
Despite some badly needed hope and light on the horizon, the country still faces myriad challenges. For this reason, our work continues to be critical, since we know (more clearly than ever) that it’s compassion, justice, and community that bring us together — and bring about change. We hope you picked up lots of fun, engaging opportunities for kindness and giving this past year. In case you missed them, we list some favorite resources below.
Six New Traditions to Add More Joy, Hope, and Kindness to Your Holiday
Yes, it will be a different kind of holiday, but you also have an opportunity to make this year's celebration one of your family's best by scaling down, embracing new traditions, and connecting more deeply to what you most value. These ideas will add a kick of kindness and hope to your COVID-challenged season --- and help you keep the spirit of the holidays alive despite the compromises we're making to keep one another safe.