How Do You Teach Children To Care? Why is it important?

In a world that often shouts, “What’s in it for me?”, one of the most powerful lessons we can teach kids is to ask, “How can I help?”

When we intentionally foster empathy, gratitude, and generosity, we’re not just shaping kind kids—we’re shaping resilient, confident leaders.

Kindness isn’t a feeling, it's an ACTION. One of the most tangible ways to nurture kind kids is to invite them to contribute. Whether they are setting the dinner table, checking in on a classmate, or sharing their favorite snack, each small act of giving helps them feel connected, capable, and valued.

Why Contributing Matters and How It Helps To Shape Kind Kids:

• Empathy helps children and teens understand the feelings and experiences of others.

• Gratitude teaches kids to appreciate what they have, which reduces entitlement and increases joy.

• Generosity allows children to experience the joy of giving, without expecting something in return.

When children contribute to the well-being of others, they’re not just helping—they're building character.

Practical Ways to Teach Kids How To Contribute and Give

At Home:

• The “Helping Job” Chart – Let kids choose a daily or weekly task to help (e.g., watering plants, packing a sibling’s lunch, feeding the pet). Label it “Helping and Caring.”

• Gratitude Around the Table – At dinner or bedtime, each family member says one thing they’re thankful for and one way they helped someone that day.

• The Kindness Jar – Use a mason jar to collect stories of kind acts. When the jar is full, celebrate with a family fun night.

• Value a child's contribution; don't redo, correct, or dismiss how a child contributes. Remaking a bed or rearranging the dishwasher sends the message, "not quite good enough," which is the opposite of what you're trying to communicate.

• Encourage them to notice and talk about people they see being kind and generous. How can they model the same generosity in their own lives? What attracts them to that person's kindness? How do they feel when spending time with them, and why is it important to consider how others feel when they are with you?

In the Classroom:

• Classroom Jobs with Heart – Go beyond pencil-sharpeners and line leaders. Try “Kindness Captain,” “Peer Encourager,” or “Lunchroom Buddy.”

• Story Time with Purpose – Read books that model empathy and discuss the characters’ choices.

• Kindness Chain Reaction – Let students write anonymous compliments or “thank you” notes to classmates and link them on a wall chain. Watch it grow!

Contribution = Kindness

When kids feel like they matter, they’re more likely to treat others like they matter too.By encouraging children to give their time, attention, and effort in meaningful ways, we help them learn:

"I am a giver, not just a taker. I can make life better for others."

Use the "Kindness Bingo Game" to encourage kids to intentionally think of ways to be kind throughout the day. Have fun motivating kids to be generous and contribute to the family or classroom environment they enjoy being a part of!