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2 October 2025
Teaching Kids to Listen to Kind Words (and Tune Out the Unkind Ones)
Children are naturally curious and absorb everything around them — not just what we say directly to them, but also what they overhear from friends, teachers, family members, and even the media. Because of this, helping kids understand the power of words is one of the most important lessons we can teach.
One of the simplest (and most effective) strategies is teaching kids to listen closely to kind words and not give too much weight to unkind ones.
Why This Matters
When children learn that kind words matter most, they:
- Build stronger friendships
- Develop healthier self-esteem
- Learn resilience when faced with negativity
- Grow into empathetic and respectful young people
How Parents Can Teach This at Home
Here are a few practical ideas you can try with your child:
1. Play the “Kindness Catch” Ball Game
Grab a soft ball (a beach ball works perfectly). As you toss the ball back and forth, say a word or phrase. If it’s a kind word — like “You’re funny” or “I like playing with you” — your child catches the ball. If it’s an unkind word — like “You can’t play” — your child drops the ball.
2. Praise the Kind Words You Hear
If your child says something kind — like “I’ll share my toy” — pause and acknowledge it:
“Wow, that was such a kind word. Did you hear how good that sounded?”
This reinforces the value of kindness and encourages them to keep practising it.
3. Model It Yourself
Children notice the way adults respond to unkindness. If you show them that you don’t give unkind words too much power, they’ll learn to do the same. For example:
“That wasn’t very kind, so I’m choosing not to listen to it. But I’ll keep listening for the kind words.”
4. Create a Family “Kind Words Jar”
Each time someone says something kind at home, write it on a slip of paper and pop it into the jar. At the end of the week, read them together as a family. This helps kids see how kindness adds up and creates a positive environment.
The Bigger Picture
Teaching kids to focus on kindness doesn’t mean ignoring problems or brushing off bullying. It’s about giving them the tools to know which words to take to heart and which ones to let go of — a skill that will serve them for life.
By helping children choose what they listen to, we give them the confidence to value themselves and to spread kindness wherever they go.
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