At Papilio Early Learning, we believe that kindness is more than just a good habit. Across our Papilio Early Learning centres in Australia, we create an environment where kindness is taught and encouraged daily—it’s an essential life skill that shapes how children connect with the world around them. Teaching children to be kind, empathetic, and inclusive from an early age helps them build strong relationships, develop emotional intelligence, and thrive in both social and academic settings.
But kindness isn’t something children simply know how to do—it’s something they learn through everyday experiences, interactions, and guidance from the adults in their lives. Let’s explore the science behind kindness, along with practical ways parents and educators can help nurture empathy, patience, and inclusion in young children.
The Science Behind Kindness: Why It’s a Key to Success
Research has shown that children who practice kindness and empathy early in life are more likely to succeed socially, emotionally, and even academically. A study by the University of British Columbia found that young children who engage in acts of kindness develop stronger peer relationships and improved emotional regulation. According to a study from the University of British Columbia, acts of kindness in early childhood lead to improved emotional regulation, stronger peer relationships, and higher self-esteem.
When children engage in kind behaviours—such as helping a friend, sharing, or comforting someone—they experience a release of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” This feel-good response reinforces positive behaviour, making children more likely to continue acting with kindness.
Moreover, kindness fosters resilience and adaptability, helping children navigate social challenges with confidence. Children who develop empathy at a young age are better at resolving conflicts, communicating their feelings, and understanding different perspectives.
So, how can we encourage children to develop these essential skills? The key lies in active learning and real-life experiences.
Role-Playing Kindness: Teaching Empathy Through Play
One of the most effective ways to teach young children about kindness is through role-playing and interactive games. These activities allow children to practice real-world social interactions in a safe and supportive environment.
Fun Role-Playing Scenarios to Encourage Kindness:
- Helping a friend – Set up a pretend-play scenario where one child drops their toys, and another child helps pick them up. Discuss how helping makes others feel happy and supported.
- Emotion matching game – Show children pictures of different facial expressions and ask them to guess how the person might be feeling. This builds emotional awareness and empathy.
- Kindness bingo – Create a bingo card with kind actions (e.g., “help a friend,” “say thank you,” “give a compliment”). Encourage children to complete a row of kind acts each day!
By incorporating play-based learning, children not only develop a deeper understanding of emotions but also gain practical skills in expressing kindness in different situations.
The Power of Gratitude and Appreciation
Gratitude is a powerful tool in fostering a kindness mindset. When children learn to appreciate what they have and acknowledge the kindness of others, they are more likely to develop positive relationships and a sense of contentment.
Here are some simple ways to encourage gratitude in young children:
- Gratitude jars – Have children write (or draw) something they are thankful for each day and place it in a jar. At the end of the week, read them together and celebrate the small joys in life.
- Saying ‘thank you’ daily – Whether it’s thanking a parent, teacher, or friend, practicing gratitude through words helps reinforce kindness as a daily habit.
- Gratitude walks – Take a walk outside and encourage children to notice and appreciate the beauty around them—whether it’s the sunshine, flowers, or a kind gesture from a passerby.
When children develop a habit of gratitude, they feel happier, more connected, and more compassionate toward others.
Papilio’s Kindness Challenge: Encouraging Acts of Kindness in Our Learning Centres
To put kindness into action, why not try a week-long kindness challenge for preschoolers at home? This simple activity encourages children to engage in small but meaningful acts of kindness every day.
Kindness Challenge: 7 Days of Giving and Caring
- Day 1: Smile at three people today – Smiles are contagious! Encourage your child to brighten someone’s day with a simple, friendly smile.
- Day 2: Share a toy or snack – Teach children about generosity by encouraging them to share with a friend or sibling.
- Day 3: Help someone with a task – Whether it’s picking up toys, setting the table, or helping a friend, small actions make a big difference.
- Day 4: Say something nice to someone – A kind word or compliment can lift someone’s spirits.
- Day 5: Make a thank-you card – Encourage children to draw or write a thank-you note for a teacher, parent, or friend.
- Day 6: Listen and show empathy – Teach children to listen actively and show understanding when someone is upset.
- Day 7: Reflect on the week – Talk about how it felt to be kind and how others reacted. What was their favourite act of kindness?
By making kindness a daily practice at Papilio Early Learning centres, children develop the habit of thinking about others and seeing the positive effects of their actions.
Final Thoughts: Nurturing a Culture of Kindness
At Papilio Early Learning, we believe that raising kind kids is one of the most important things we can do as parents and educators. By teaching empathy, modeling positive behaviour, and incorporating gratitude into daily routines, we help children build the foundation for a lifetime of kindness.
Every small act of kindness—whether it’s a smile, a helping hand, or a kind word—makes a difference. When we foster kindness in young children, we help create a more compassionate, inclusive, and supportive community.
So, let’s embrace kindness together! Try the Kindness Challenge with your little one this week and see how many smiles you can spread.
Find your nearest Papilio Early Learning centre in QLD, NSW, VIC or ACT and discover why we are the most advanced approach to early childhood education in Australia. Book a tour today and see firsthand how we nurture kindness in young learners!