These Are the 12 Ways to Raise a Genuinely Kind Kid

If you want your child to be not only polite but also understanding and genuine toward others, you must demonstrate these certain qualities yourself. Even if your little one isn't explicitly coming to you for advice on the right thing to do in every situation, they pick up on the characteristics you value and display — and incorporate them into their own behavior.

Expect caring behavior from your children starting at a young age and allow them to practice these independent actions. Whether it's teaching them how to express gratitude for others or having them independently come up with ways to be helpful in a given situation, these compassionate behaviors will become a habit — and eventually an important part of who they are — as your child works on practicing them.

Bringing your children outside of their little bubble and expanding their horizons is essential to teaching them about empathy. As your child's focus of concern becomes less focused on a limited circle, they can start to see the struggles of others, which allows them to think outside of themselves and to open their heart to those who fall outside of their immediate family.

As you encourage your kid to be aware and think outside of themselves, also expect consistent participation in acting on their observations. Show your child how to act in not only meaningful but also helpful ways that demonstrate that they're willing to do things for others.

Part of how your child will learn what actions are thoughtful and appreciated is by you highlighting them. If you make a point of acknowledging how kind it was that his or her friend shared or that their sibling made a nice gesture, your little one will start thinking about these verbal cues and incorporating them into their own behaviors.

If you're more concerned with your child's happiness than your little one's consideration of others, they'll start prioritizing things the same way. It's essential for a child to know that how they care for other people is just as important as their own achievements and desires.

By encouraging your child to reflect on and discuss their own emotions, it also helps them to recognize their peers' more subtle emotions — which gives them the opportunity to act accordingly. Your child's willingness to try to understand how others are feeling and the ability to put themselves in their shoes in order to see where they are coming from will be a valued quality as they get older.

Work with your child to understand the impact of their words on others and how to be mindful of the importance of picking the right words to express themselves.

It isn't enough just to make an effort to point out the positives in less-than-ideal situations. Having open conversations about differences and celebrating the variations with them teaches open-mindedness and respect.

Even young children are capable of understanding that their own wants and needs don't always trump those of others — if their parents are willing to explain it to them. Setting that precedent from an early age shifts their focus from internal desires and allows them to consider the needs of those around them.

Daily affirmations and physical connection are necessary for your child to grow into a confident individual. This is important because a person — both old and young — must love himself or herself before they can truly appreciate others.

Talking to your child about being gracious and considerate isn't going to mean anything if you make exceptions and only expect this thoughtful behavior in certain situations. If you make excuses or allow your child's frustration to become the priority, your words pale in comparison to your actions.