Recently, Houston Kraft—author, co-founder of CharacterStrong, shared a powerful message about what it truly takes to foster kindness in our school communities. His insights go beyond simply expecting kind behavior; he explains that kindness is a result of internal skills that must be nurtured every day. Why this matters for everyone:

For Parents

At home, the foundation for kindness is laid when you encourage open discussions about feelings and model empathy. Helping your child understand and manage their emotions isn’t just good for their heart—it’s a life skill that prepares them for success in school and beyond.

For Educators

Houston’s message is a call to integrate kindness into everyday teaching rather than treating it as an extra project. When classrooms are designed as safe spaces where students feel heard and supported, learning and genuine connection follow naturally. It’s about creating an environment where every student feels they belong, and where kindness isn’t an add-on but part of the very fabric of daily interactions.

For Youth Care Workers

In environments outside of school, your role in nurturing resilience is critical. By focusing on the internal skills that lead to kind behavior, you can help young people navigate difficult social situations and build lasting, positive relationships. Encouraging youth to practice empathy and connection gives them tools to handle conflicts and strengthens community ties.

In summary, whether at home, in the classroom, or within broader youth programs, fostering genuine kindness means teaching the underlying skills that create caring, connected communities. By focusing on these core competencies, we set the stage for children and adolescents to grow into empathetic, resilient adults.