Books to read with your child to support Kindness & Understanding
Kindness and understanding are a very important part of a child's emotional and social well-being. Having a conversation with your child about how to show kindness, and when someone may need a little extra, can help them understand how powerful kindness is. Teaching your child that showing kindness can change the world will empower them to be the best person they can be! Here are some books that can help your child learn to be kind!
Here are some books that can help your child learn to be kind!
Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
Written by Carol McCloud |
Illustrated by David Messing
This book is a classic, and a great lesson no matter the age of the reader. “Have You Filled a Bucket Today”, is a great way to remind your child that others feel the same feelings that they do and that they can be somebody that makes people feel better too. No matter how big or small the action is, it will not only make that person feel good, but make themselves feel good as well. A bucket filler is somebody who thinks about others, and finds joy in spreading kindness.
Tomorrow I’ll be Kind.
Written and Illustrated by Jessica Hische
Spreading kindness can be hard for our little ones. This book is a sweet and gentle reminder that no matter what they did today or what they think of themselves, they are still capable of being kind. This book affirms to your child that even if they have done something “bad”, that does not mean that they are bad. They are still loved and worthy of trying again.
This book aligns very well with child-centered play therapy, and is a great way to reaffirm these ideas to your child!
When a friend needs a friend
Written and Illustrated by Roozeboos
Understanding others' negative emotions can be hard and difficult for any child. Although your child may understand their own feelings when they are hurt, upset, and not feeling up to the usual activities, applying that to others is hard. They may feel like they’ve upset their friend, or that they just don’t like them anymore. This book explores a child experiencing her friend having a hard time, and being confused on why he wants to be alone. After asking some trusted adult friends, they explain that her friend just has big feelings, and sometimes it helps to show your support from afar until they’re ready to see you. This is definitely one worth checking out!
Everybody! You, Me & Us
Written and Illustrated by Elise Gravel
This book is simple, and perfect for younger kids. It is very similar to the last one on the list, with a strong emphasis on empathy and understanding. We are all human, and are all capable of doing good and making mistakes as well. We should always try and be as understanding as possible with our friends, teachers, and family members as well. This is a great, quick read with your child. I would recommend asking them to offer examples of the prompts given on each page - “Can you remember a time somebody needed help, and you helped them?” or “Was there ever a time you felt embarrassed? What did somebody do that made you feel better?”
As the holiday season approaches and you are getting together with your loved ones, find some time to read one (or all!) of these and motivate your child to try to do a few acts of kindness in this safe space, surrounded by supportive friends and family. Remind them that being kind is an amazing, brave, and powerful act, and they can change the world through their actions.
These books are an excellent way to promote the behaviors that we build in play therapy. Self-esteem, kindness, and empathy are all things that are built up within the playroom! If you want to learn more about Play Therapy, please reach out. We would be happy to support you!
