From our Counsellors
Kindness ripples
On May 10, Shelford took part in ‘Do it for Dolly’ day, to raise awareness about the impacts of bullying and to spread the message to ‘be kind and speak up, even if your voice shakes’.
“Kindness is the sincere and voluntary use of one’s time, talent, and resources to better the lives of others, one’s own life, and the world through genuine acts of love, compassion, generosity, and service.”
As social beings, we have a range of psychological mechanisms that motivate us to be kind and helpful to others, and that make us derive satisfaction from doing so. Research suggests that the positive impact of kindness on wellbeing is a two-way street: we benefit both from giving and receiving kindness. Kindness can reduce stress and isolation, improve mood and self-esteem, create a sense of belonging, and help keep things in perspective.
Kind Schools (a program of Resilient Youth Australia) aims to bring the value of kindness into everyday school life, and their evidence-backed model of kindness identifies three important areas:
- Compassion
- Connection
- Courage
Being kind and speaking up (for ourselves and others) can be daunting – recognising this feeling and doing the kind thing anyway is part of living in a meaningful and wholesome way.
Parents/caregivers and schools play an important role in initiating and encouraging open, curious conversations about bullying and young people’s experiences. Embarrassment, shame, fear of making things worse, or a sense of hopelessness may prevent teens from speaking up. Young people require support and safe connections to develop resilience and build their self-confidence. Through consistent supportive language and actions, parents/caregivers remind children and teens that they are loved and it is safe and helpful to speak up.
Have the courage to be kind because no act of kindness is ever wasted; doing good does you good.
Further resources:
Acts of kindness
- https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas
- https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/kindness-and-mental-health/random-acts-kindness
eSafety – parent resources
How to talk about bullying
Edith Benardeau-Short
Psychologist
Charlotte Edmonds
Counsellor