The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassionate and Connected Children

There are so many things that are wonderful about The Kindness Advantage. The authors begin with a succinct and compelling presentation of research that shows the advantages that accrue to children who are kind to others. This is followed by practical examples of ways in which parents can help children develop more awareness of what is happening around them and how others might be feeling. The authors suggest many ways children can help other children, the elderly, those facing challenges such as homelessness or illness, animals in need, and ways to attend to the health of our environment. Their examples often stem from real life stories they share about young children who saw a need and thought of a simple way to help. Many of these inspiring stories are captured on websites that adults and children can visit to see how small acts of kindness often lead to unexpected levels of help for those in need. The real-life stories are truly inspiring. I also love the way the authors wove together helping parents have difficult conversations with children into the theme of the book. But, of course, with all the challenging scenarios they imagine, it becomes clear. Opening up difficult topics so a child feels safe talking and asking about anything with their parent is critical and deeply challenging to most parents. The many suggestions for how to encourage empathy in the midst of the discussions comes through with strength. The authors point out that we are able to be more present to others and more kind when we know how to handle our own stress constructively. To this end, they share scripts for adults to read to children to help them relax, be more mindful, and visualize a calm, safe place. These are critical skills for children to develop that will assist them in many different ways. The language is easy for an adult who may have never learned these skills. Yet it will appeal to people who are deeply familiar with them but may not have thought about how to introduce them to children. The deep relaxation for children with the lemons, mud, elephants and all is delightful. I think the humor in it can provide an added dimension of happy endorphins for adults who read it and use it on themselves! The imagery is captivating. At the end, the authors provide an excellent list of book suggestions for children and adults that touch on the themes of The Kindness Advantage. This is a timely book! Helping children and adults be more intentional about spreading kindness seems particularly important in our culture right now.

At any time, but particularly nowadays, there is nothing more important in our own lives, and to our friends and family, than kindness. We all need help to remember how to be kind in all circumstances, but most of all, to teach kindness to our children. This extraordinary book is itself kind - it gives specific guidance to help us teach children and grandchildren how to be kind to everyone, and, my favorite sections, tells stories and anecdotes of those who have made kindness a way of life. These tales are heartwarming, as is this extraordinarily important book. I have bought it for many friends as it is, in itself, the best gift to give anyone - for no occasion, just because you care. And it will be my chosen gift for the holiday season. I am lucky to have found this book and be able to share it with everyone I love.

The Kindness Advantage is a fascinating primer for teachers, parents, grandparents...anyone who is searching for the words and practical actions one can take to nurture kindness and empathy in children.This book is beautifully and tirelessly researched, presenting everything from how do handle tough conversations with kids to mindful exercises for the senses...plus lots of fun things to do together that promotes enriching conversations. I learned about myself too and how I can be a more empathetic adult! I highly recommend this book. I'm giving this book as gifts for Valentine's Day :)

I found this book a thoughtful and relevant guide for parents seeking to nurture kindness in their children. With it's very practical approach and suggestions, this book is a great resource for parents and other adults working with children.I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

I feel wiser, rejuvenated and excitedly optimistic after reading The Kindness Advantage. Gaining wisdom is a precious lifetime goal and by taking the time to read this fabulous new book, one is definitely taking a major step towards achieving this goal. The way in which the authors encourage and reignite our desire to rethink and explore "the familiar"with wiser, kinder and more satisfying outcomes is deeply successful and hugely appreciated. Thank you to Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer for the brilliant guidance you have given and for bringing us to the point where we can't wait to jump off into our own little and larger world and personally experience the kindness advantage!By Amazon Customer

I LOVE The Kindness Advantage! I believe that every parent, grandparent, nanny, and school should have a copy to teach empathy and fight bullying! It is an extraordinary resource that provides the fundamentals of kindness and offers tips on how to help children become more compassionate and empathetic. As a grandmother and former teacher, I have used the tips and lists in The Kindness Advantage as a daily part of my interraction with my grandchildren. Not only has this made them more aware of the importance of being kind to others but it has also improved their self-esteem. I strongly recommend The Kindness Advantage and applaud the authors for such a powerful book!

A great book on a most important topic. Wonderful text, well organized, full of wisdom. Layout makes entire book so engaging, and love the Real Life stories. Highly recommended!

Loved the real life stories, and the tangible suggestions for teaching my children the advantages of being kind to others.

Good if have children but repetitive for me. A little slow reading but good content. Good starter book. Easy read.