The Kid’s Corral incorporates the research-based discipline approaches from the Love and Logic programs.  Below is an excellent article from one of their contributors, Jedd Hafer.

WE WISH KIDS WOULD ALWAYS BE KIND In Love and Logic, we often separate the things we CAN control from the things we WISH we could control. A giant wish shared by many educators and parents is that kids will always be kind to one another. Cruel comments and malicious teasing can be devastating.   Sadly, our wish that kids will always be kind has to do with something beyond our direct control–the behavior of others. The good news is that we CAN control our own actions by:   1.   Intentionally modeling kindness We can make sure that kids see us regularly displaying kindness toward others. Our example is a powerful force.   2.   Intentionally noticing and celebrating kindness We can watch for, and celebrate, acts of kindness we see from kids. We can raise the odds of kindness by noticing even small acts of kindness and then celebrating them without causing embarrassment.   3.   Providing healthy outlets Some kids mistreat their peers and stir up conflict out of sheer boredom. We can make sure that kids have plenty to do, including outlets for their creativity, energy, and desire to play.   4.   Controlling kids’ access to one another When kids are mean to others, we might be able to limit their access to peers (in-person or online). “We want you out here playing with the other kids – as long as we don’t have to worry about them being pushed around and called names.”   5.   Providing consequences for unkind behavior We can expect kids to solve problems (and, hopefully, restore relationships) using restitution. In many cases, kind gestures that benefit the family/community or the offended party can create win-win scenarios.   It is a noble wish that kids will be kind to one another. We know that this wish will not always come true, but focusing on what we can control will raise the odds of kindness all around.

Hafer, Jedd (2020, March 11)We Wish Kids Would Always Be Kind(Post). Retrieved from: https://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/tools/forward.php?username=loveandlogic&newsletter_id=1414337942&send_id=