Share your tips for raising a kind child with the new Wonder film: chance to win £300 NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

The team behind the new Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay movie, Wonder, would love to hear your top tips for raising a kind child. The film really showcases how - as one MNer who has seen the film - says “a little bit more kindness in the world would be no bad thing”. Another Mumsnetter who saw a preview screening said “the issues raised are really important for all of us to [be] reminded of. Standing up to things that are wrong (even when it makes us unpopular), and always being kind - how many of us always live up to that?” here

Here's the synopsis: “starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay and based on the New York Times bestseller, WONDER tells the story of August Pullman. Born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade. As his family, his new classmates, and the larger community all struggle to find their compassion and acceptance, Auggie's extraordinary journey will unite them all and prove you can't blend in when you were born to stand out.”

Wonder is rated PG & open NOW

Watch the trailer here:

So how do you encourage your child to be kind to others? Please share your top tips and experiences of kindness from your child...has your child received a reward for kindness, have they gone out of the their way to show kindness to other children or have they had a period of not being kind but have come through it and learnt how important kindness is.

Add your comment to this thread and you will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will get a £300 voucher for the store of choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

Standard Insight T and Cs apply

WONDER stars ACADEMY AWARD® WINNER JULIA ROBERTS (Eat Pray Love), ACADEMY AWARD® NOMINEE OWEN WILSON (Midnight in Paris), JACOB TREMBLAY (Room), MANDY PATINKIN (‘Homeland’)and IZABELA VIDOVIC (Homefront). Directed by STEPHEN CHBOSKY (The Perks of Being a Wallflower) the screenplay is written by STEPHEN CHBOSKY (Beauty and the Beast) and STEVEN CONRAD (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty) and JACK THORNE (‘This is England ’90’) based on the New York Times bestseller WONDER by R.J PALACIO

I think kindness depends on really believing that other people are as real and important as you are and tat other people feelings are as meaningful to them as yours are to you. A lot of it is helping children to keep that perspective when they're in the thick of their daily life.

I've noticed since DD joined Brownies that kindness is very high on the agenda and she's very keen to abide by Brownie law and be kind and helpful

We are always talking about kindness and we try and do things on 3 levels - our friends and immediate community, our local area and community and then more worldwide and bigger kindness. I often send extra tuck money to school with my son for his friend who isn’t sent with any. I’m always encouraging them to share and think of others. We give to the foodbank every month and the boys take responsibility for that and choosing some of what we give and they take it, and then we also collect things for a charity in Ghana run by some friends but a bigger scale kindness need.

Every day round the table at tea I ask the children to say three positive things about each other and also those around the table. And I ask them at bedtime to give each other a hug and say goodnight.
My daughter gave her Minnie Mouse ears and Minnie Mouse helium ballon to the man who came to install our Sky because he told us his little three year old daughter was Minnie mad, so she bundled up her things and gave them to him to give to her, which he was very touched by.

I think toddlers are naturally very generous and kind. I am always impressed with how DD makes sure all visitors have toys to play with (adults too!) and offers to share her food (even the really tasty bits) when we are eating. I make sure to praise her kindness as well, so she knows that the behaviour is appreciated.

I always point out examples of good and bad behaviour when we come across them, and give an explanation of why that is, in an age appropriate way.

As others have said do nice things, share what you have and children will imitate your behaviour.

Lead by example; children learn from what they see and experience.

To talk with your children not at them.

The book dogger my dds still want it read to them and always linger on 'Bella did a very kind thing'

Be kind to your Children, role model kindness to others, use kind words too

In our family it's not about rewarding kindness but it's about modelling it as the way we behave.

This modelling starts at home; we believe in raising our children with respect so no sitting in corners for 'naughty' (age appropriate) behaviour, talking about our feelings and trying to help the children to identify and label their own emotions from an early age.

Kindness is no1 on our family radar. We treat each other with kindness and I was delighted when the smallest wrote ‘you are so kind’ on his big sister’s birthday card. For him, it’s the ultimate compliment.

DS is currently experiencing low-lovel meanness from a few boys in his class. Trying to guide him through this (an inherently kind person dealing with casual unkindness, without becoming a pushover) is tricky but we talk everything through, look for reasons for their behaviour and
try to think about ways of minimising impact. It’s developing his emotional maturity and is quite a lesson in kindness itself.

I tell her that the most important thing is to be kind, and if you have a choice choose the kindest way.
I try to give her opportunites to be kind, putting something in the food bank or drawing a picture for a friend...I try to model it myself too.

We have always said it's nice to be important but it's more important to be nice. I think all children are naturally kind, on their own. In a group, I think they need to be watched more closely and any unkindness nipped in the bud.

Be a good role model for your children. Show them how to be kind to others and try to surround them with kind people.

My children went to a fully accessible mainstream primary school which welcomed children with additional needs. The ethos of the school really helped my children to develop into kind and thoughtful individuals.

We talk about kind deeds and how they might make the recipient feel. We talk about how important it is to be the good in the world and try to balance news of terror and sadness with stories of people who are making a difference, however small.

This evening I have just printed out tiny cards with small acts of kindness that my 10 year old will find each day in December alongside his advent chocolate. Little things like texting a grandparent, baking treats for the neighbours or choosing a gift for a Christmas appeal. I'm hoping that he'll enjoy the challenge and that for him, advent this year will be about more than just the chocolate and his own pleasure.

Help others whenever I get the chance so that DS will see it as the normal thing to do.

We talk a lot about being kind and always recognise kind behaviour. I would hope that we also model being kind to others and look for opportunities to be kind.

Praise kind behaviour, discuss any unkind behaviour even if it isn't 'major'. Lead by example.

I always teach my daughter kindness by example; letting an older person take a seat on the bus, buying a hot drink for someone on the street, donating to charity, involving the child who seems to have no friends, etc. I'm afraid manners and kindness aren't things to be taught as much as they used to be, as a parent I do, but lacking in this day and age and also at school.

I have taught my daughter since she was little to share and to respect and help others. She is so humble and would give her last. She is always helping others. Her kindness and beautiful heart blows me away

Best lesson I was taught was that everyone has something you can learn from - if you take time to listen. Even bullies and idiots will know something you don't. And they'll like you for listening!

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth. I miss them...

Lead by example. Be kind to others. Let them see you being kind. Most importantly be kind to them.
I have three. 22, 20 & 15. I can put my hand on my heart and honestly tell you that they have NEVER been unkind to me, their father or each other. Not a mean word, never pinched punched or been horrible to each other. 2 of them are at top Unis- but whilst academic achievement is good, I am far far prouder that they are all kind and recognised by others as being so.
This doesn't mean not setting boundaries or being a push over. It's possible to be kind AND firm. They aren't mutually exclusive.