When pondering the meaning of “being kind” we tend to think about a friend or family member who we know we can rely on for comfort and support, maybe we think of a neighbour who always makes an effort to be friendly when you cross paths, or maybe you think of those who volunteer to help in their communities, or even the care that young people show one another – often so spontaneously.
There are many definitions of what it means to be kind and kindness is often entwined with related concepts like empathy, compassion, and altruism. At its core, researchers suggest that kindness is a gesture motivated by genuine, warm feelings for others – rather than any actions motivated by what we may gain.
Kindness, therefore, is not just an emotion, but is defined by our actions. “Acts of kindness” do not have to be grand gestures. We often talk with our children about actions such as listening to and being with a peer as they talk about a bad day, holding the door for someone who has their arms full, forgiving someone when they make a mistake or behave poorly, or being accepting towards those around us, being acts of kindness that make a significant difference.
We would not be surprised to know that others being kind to us increases our wellbeing, but studies have also found repeatedly that being kind is linked to increased feelings of happiness, wellbeing, and life satisfaction for people of all ages.  Being kind has benefits for the giver and receiver!  This seems to be the case regardless of whether the recipient of our kindness is those close to us, society more broadly, or ourselves – and we have talked in Whole School Assembly about how we talk to ourselves.  There is even some evidence to suggest that simply remembering kind things we have done in the past may increase our wellbeing.