When enrolled in preschool, children begin to spend more time with others. In these early years, children are also learning how to build social connections. Students at The Gardner School are encouraged to practice kind words and gentle interactions each day — like any skill, developing empathy takes practice! For parents eager to instill the virtues of friendship and respect in their little ones at home, here are some helpful tips:
Keep Communication Lines Open
When dealing with challenging situations, children look to their parents and teachers for support. Check in with your child and ask questions about their day and any interactions they had with their peers. A daily conversation about what happens at preschools can keep the lines of communication open and may clue you into any potential issues. You can also check in with your child’s teacher. The Gardner School believes a strong parent-teacher relationship plays a vital role in each child’s learning journey. Regular discussions between you and the teacher about your child’s behavior and any changing dynamics in the classroom will keep everyone on the same page. Sharing any concerns you might have with the teacher is always encouraged. Additionally, we have policies and procedures to put a stop to any unkind actions, and our teachers are also trained to spot and diffuse these instances.
Model and Reinforce Kind Behavior
Children learn a great deal by observing adults, making your behavior incredibly influential. Demonstrating kindness and respect provides a powerful lesson for young children. Simple gestures, like hearing you say “thank you” or “excuse me,” can be respectful, friendly habits that children mimic. Knowing a little one is observing your interactions also creates an opportunity for you to reflect on and modify any behaviors that could inadvertently suggest that unkind behavior is acceptable.
At TGS, Social-Emotional Learning, or SEL, acknowledges the emotional side of learning and is a part of the curriculum. Integrating SEL into the classroom allows us to give children engaging strategies to practice naming emotions, sharing their feelings, showing gratitude, and identifying positive traits in themselves and others.
Foster Mindfulness
Encouraging your preschooler to be mindful of others’ feelings and needs can lay a foundation for empathy. Show empathy actively in your interactions, and your child will learn that treating others with kindness is something your family values. Being attentive to your child’s behavior prepares you to intervene when necessary while supporting your child as they practice showing kindness and consideration for others. (And for extra reinforcement, choose a few of these books about kindness to read at bedtime!)
Exercise Patience
A child’s personal development pace can significantly influence how they respond to others. Therefore, it’s important to be patient and persistent as children learn kindness. While some children may naturally show empathy early on, others might not develop these skills until later. Regardless, it’s important to consistently nurture these traits, helping your child grow into a caring individual.
Fostering Kindness and Friendships at The Gardner School
At TGS, cultivating a community between students, teachers, and family is an important part of everything we do. Children learn how to make friends and maintain healthy relationships—two skills they can carry with them throughout their lives. Connecting with others provides opportunities for our little ones to learn about themselves while building character and compassion.
Visit The Gardner School near you to see how we integrate these values into everyday routines for our preschool students. Schedule a tour today!