The act of kindness, a universal language, holds great power. It's a gift that everyone, including you, can afford to give. As Johanna GB Jackson once said, 'Kindness is a gift that everyone can afford to give.'

Yet, we have all been the recipients of someone unkind. Sometimes, being kind just means not saying something unkind.

My mum always used to say, 'If you can't say anything kind, keep your mouth shut'.

When our parents say something often enough, it becomes etched in our memory. Be mindful of what you say, for your words, whether they carry positivity, negativity, or wisdom, have the power to shape the future.

It's not only words but actions. Whatever you say, if you do something that conflicts with your words, your child will call you out.

Role models

For instance, our government has 'non-bullying' signs throughout its departments, and its organisations have policies about bullying behaviour.

However, if you watch parliament in action, there's a lot of name-calling and accusations, even though they have their own 'code of behaviour', which is usually ignored.

No wonder there is so much bullying in schoolyards. Negative words and behaviour are role-modelled by our society's leaders and businesses, impacting homes and children.

Then there are people like the maid in the movie 'The Help', based on a true story. The maid frequently tells the child, and the child repeats after her, 'You is smart, you is kind, you is important'.

What a wonderful thing to regularly tell a child. Especially during the critical foundational years.

Also there is the science of kindness, so why not be kind as there are so many positive benefits?

Leadership

We must help our children develop ethical foundations to reduce bullying in our schoolyards. Everyone needs a mentor or someone to look up to, but children especially need this.

Have you asked your child who they think is the kindest person they know?

Or ask them to name five people they think are kind. Could you guess who they would include?

Who is their kindness role model, You, their carer or teacher?

How come they think that person is kind? What does that person do to make them feel that way?

Actions

When someone is kind, a level of trust builds. If your child ever needs help when you're not around, they should approach someone they trust and who is kind. Do you know who that would be, and do you have a good relationship with that person?

Another big issue in our society is gossip and backbiting. I remember being told a story about a lovely man who, when people started gossiping or backbiting (talking negatively about someone behind their back), would always excuse himself and say he had to use the bathroom.

Then he would wait a while, return, and do it again if necessary. People grew to understand his intentions. He didn't say a word, but his actions spoke loudly and clearly. In a way, it reminded me of what my mum used to say.

Encourage kindness by praising your child or anyone else when you observe an act of kindness.

It's a kind thing to do, after all!