“Hello and Welcome to our Kindness Korner post #4: MODEL ‘being kind’ to your child on the Autism Spectrum.
“Why do we want our children to be kind to others?
“Learning to be kind to others will enhance any child’s relationship skills as well as be a beneficial experience for them. We want this for all of our children, whether they are on the Autism Spectrum or not. As Rumi put it beautifully:
‘When we practice loving-kindness and compassion we are the first ones to profit.’
“Kindness can be as unique as you are.
“Once again, the simple brilliance of Rumi describes this aspect as ‘You are inside every kindness.’
“There are so many ways we can inject kindness in our interactions with others and, therefore, model to our children myriad ways they can express this beautiful human trait.
“Ways to model kindness in your unique way:
– Do acts of kindness for your child (see post #2 for further information)… to support, assist and help your child in any way you see available. Yes, parenting your child IS you doing many acts of kindness for your child all day long!!! Having this goal is a wonderful reminder of the awesome parent you are!!!
– Point out all the acts of kindness you are doing with your child on the spectrum. That is, whenever you assist, support, or help your child in any way, let your son or daughter know that is what you are doing. Such as, when bringing your child’s dirty laundry to be washed, let him know you are providing him with clean clothes to wear.
– Explaining why you like supporting your child. For example, when you provide the next meal for your daughter let her know you are providing it because you love her and want to help her to be healthy!
– Using your words of appreciation. Look for ways to express your appreciation, especially highlighting any moment your child on the spectrum interacts with you… no matter how fleeting.
– Showing interest in another’s experience by kindly inquiring how they are doing or feeling. This act of kindness demonstrates care and consideration for another’s experience. If your child’s current communication level allows, you can ask this great question directly. If not, model your inquiry with others for your child to observe. For example, if your child on the spectrum has siblings arriving home from school each day, share the excitement as you ask them how their day was at school.
“We would love to know how you do with modeling kindness to your child on the Autism Spectrum.
“Wishing you a kind-filled day!!”
Suzanne Pruss, Son-Rise Program Teacher