Growing Kindnes, Stopping Bullying

 

Adam Grant is a psychologist, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, author, and a parent. 

 

As a parent, Adam believes in asking children "how or who did you help today" at the end of each school day. He doesn't ask them about academics or behavior for themselves, but rather their behavior regarding others.

 

As educators and student support this is a mindfulness we can adopt and utilize to build kindness and reduce bullying.

 

We are entering into Bullying Awareness and Prevention Month. Each year during October we take time to educate our students and staff about what is and is not bullying. It is important to use the correct language and definitions 

 

We need to take time to define what is and is not an act of bullying. We also need to take time to teach students to use the term "this student is bullying me" not "this student is a bully" or "the bully hurt me." When we teach students to see the student as a fellow student and person first we open their minds and heart to compassion and understanding. When we allow students to call people bullies we take away an identity and replace it with the idea that an action defines everything.

 

Take time this coming month to promote kindness, compassion, and standing up for others. When we make kindness the norm students are more likely to report the unkind behavior and recognize the positive behaviors.

 

Mindfulness has many great mediations and mindful moments that help us to see, share, and spread kindness and reduce hate. 

 

When we were virtual I would end every day with two questions for the students who met with me: What did you do today to help others? What did you do today that mattered (to others)?

 

When we pay it forward, show random acts of kindness, and make kindness the norm we start reducing the hurt and hate that is spread. 

 

How we treat others matter. How do we treat each student? How do our students treat each other?