Parents Urged To Make Kindness Part Of Back-To-School Preparation

Mental health consultant Izaiah Lutchman says teaching children the value of kindness can help build resilience, strengthen their emotional and social development, and even improve their academic performance.

International studies published in resources like the Greater Good Science Centre show that developing social skills like cooperation and kindness in the early stages of human development fosters better classroom behaviour and helps lower dropout rates.

“Research usually shows us that children with strong social and emotional skills tend to perform better academically and have healthier relationships; they may be more resilient in the face of challenges. So parents usually send their kidsoff to school right now, stating, ‘Did you pack your bag?’ but instead they should approach it by asking, ‘How are you feeling to go to school? How are you feeling going back? What are you excited about? What might be worrying you right now?’ And that might help them create that safe bond that might aid them in going to school with emotional safety.”