Lauren Paul and Molly Thompson, co-founders of the Kind Campaign, have spent nearly two decades helping young people and families understand the importance of kindness as an everyday practice. Their experience reveals that raising kind kids starts at home and is nurtured through example, empathy, and authentic conversations.
- Kindness is a learnable skill, not a fixed trait.
- Modeling behavior is more powerful than just talking.
- Apologies are key moments of growth and healing.
What happened
Lauren Paul and Molly Thompson co-founded the Kind Campaign to address the widespread negative impact of bullying among school-age children. Their nonprofit organization travels extensively, bringing awareness and healing to communities by engaging students, educators, and parents in conversations about kindness and empathy.
Through years of experience and their own parenting journeys, they have identified essential strategies for raising kind children. These include being mindful of daily behaviors children observe, using mistakes as teaching moments, and fostering small acts of kindness that leave lasting impressions.
Why it feels good
The act of kindness is deeply rewarding, both for the giver and the receiver. When children witness kindness modeled by their parents and caregivers, they internalize compassion as a normal response to others’ feelings and needs. This creates a ripple effect that improves social harmony and emotional well-being for everyone involved.
Additionally, teaching children how to make sincere apologies allows them to repair relationships and understand the value of empathy and responsibility. These moments build emotional intelligence and resilience, making kindness a practical tool for real-life challenges rather than just an ideal.
What to enjoy or watch next
Families interested in nurturing kindness can explore the Kind Campaign’s programs and resources, which include school assemblies, workshops, and online tools focused on empathy, apology skills, and inclusion. These efforts help children recognize the power of small deeds that show others they matter.
Parents are encouraged to engage openly with their children about everyday experiences at school and in social settings. By listening carefully and modeling kindness themselves, adults can create safe spaces where kids feel supported to express confusion, navigate peer pressure, and develop the confidence to choose kindness—even when the world around them doesn’t always reflect it.