“As a citizen, grandparent, father, and professional, it is clear to me that the mission of schools must include teaching kindness. Without it, communities, families, schools, and classrooms become places of incivility where lasting learning is unlikely to take place…. We need to be prepared to teach kindness, because it can be delayed due to maltreatment early in life. It can be smothered under the weight of poverty, and it can be derailed by victimization later in life…. Kindness can be taught, and it is a defining aspect of civilized human life. It belongs in every home, school, neighborhood, and society.”
– Maurice Elias, PH.D
Professor of Psychology, Rutgers University, and Director, Rutgers Social-Emotional and Character Development Lab
“Kindness is sometimes taken for granted. But it really is a skill that can allow any kid to make a huge contribution to those around them. That, in turn, helps them feel so good and so proud of themselves.”
– Stephanie Barca, MSW, JD
Social Therapist and Children’s Kindness Network Board Director
“Research shows that kindness is a strong potentiator of vibrant social engagement, which in turn is a critical component of overall brain health.”
– BrainHealth researcher Maria Johnson, MA
director of Youth & Family Innovations at UT Dallas
“Parents can learn simple strategies for practicing kindness effectively, right in their own home, to create a brain healthy environment for their kids. “In times of stress, taking a moment to practice kindness for yourself and model it for your children can boost your own resilience and improve your child’s prosocial behaviors.”
– Julie Fratantoni, Ph.D.
cognitive neuroscientist and head of operations for The BrainHealth Project at UT Dallas
“Do not underestimate the power of kindness, because it can ultimately change and shape brain health.”
– Julie Fratantoni, Ph.D.
cognitive neuroscientist and head of operations for The BrainHealth Project at UT Dallas
“The impacts of kindness may even extend beyond families. Kindness can be a powerful brain health booster that raises resilience, not only for parents and families, but for society as a whole.”
– Maria Johnson
MA, director of Youth & Family Innovations at UT Dallas
“Young children are the future hope of this country. We as parents, grandparents, educators and leaders are challenged to help these children understand the importance of kindness, having respect for others, and having the ability to decide on what is the right thing to do and do it. Kindness requires strong character and is important for us as a society. Teaching and encouraging kindness to young children is the foundation for reducing violence and bullying among children.”
– Ronald W. Yates
General, USAF (ret)