When you do wonderful things in front of your kids, they will notice and even imitate your behaviour. Here are some easy ways to demonstrate compassion.

You smile at your neighbours, send heart-emoji-filled texts to your friends, and support your employees. But how many of those kind gestures do your children witness? The more nice things you do in front of your kids, the more they will notice and begin to imitate your actions. Here's how to get things started.

Send a card to a friend who could use some encouragement.

It's friendship 101 to help a buddy through a difficult moment. Pick a card with your child and have them sign their name to help them learn the ropes.

Pay it forward at the supermarket

Fact: Nobody like standing in line at the grocery store, especially when they have a hungry family. Grab an extra goodie from the freezer aisle the next time you're in the grocery store during rush hour (we prefer Friendly's Sundae Cups), pay for it, and then present it to the person in line behind you. The joyful surprise will hopefully divert your children's attention away from their own impatience, and your generosity will serve as a gentle reminder to them to consider others even when they are busy.

Holding doors for others

We understand you're in a hurry. However, waiting to hold the door open for someone who is a few steps behind you might teach your children to prioritise others.

Put your spare coins in the tip jar.

Friendship does not necessarily need a grand gesture. Have your youngsters deposit the change to get them involved—and to make the memory stick.

 Allow someone to go ahead of you.

• Putting the needs of a stranger's parking lot ahead of your own exhibits selflessness and can serve as a reminder to take a break now and then. To make sure it registers in young ears, narrate the situation aloud—"please, go on."

When you enter into a shop, say hello to the personnel.

Treating everyone as a friend will help your children understand equality. It's also courteous.

Give away outdated books and games to individuals who are in need.

Explain that they're going to a new house to brighten the day of a new child, just like they did for yours. That feeling of contentment may be contagious.

Make cookies for the front-desk personnel at your child's school.

Words are wonderful, but showing that you care can sometimes need going above and beyond. Involve the kids in the baking process, and then have them deliver the baked products with you. Seeing their secretary's delight might leave a lasting impression.

Offer to mow the lawn for an elderly neighbour, shovel their driveway, or carry bulky parcels for them.
When others require assistance, friends step up. Even if your child can't yet push a shovel, assisting them in front of them sets a good example.

Genuinely compliment someone.

Taking the time to recognise and praise a talent might motivate children to do the same. When they see how much you regard other people's work, they may appreciate their own work a bit more.

Thank the caretaker of the school.

Everyday faces might easily merge into your children's surroundings. Taking the time to appreciate individuals that assist them, such as a school custodian or a traffic guard, might help them remember to pay attention to others around them.

Participate in a community event as a volunteer.

Explain why you're contributing your time and what your efforts will accomplish for others to get your kids interested in the process.

Show an interest in the events of another person's day.

True friendship entails recognising people for who they are. Make eye contact, ask smart questions, and truly listen when your children tell you about their recent exploits. Run-ins at coffee shops and pick-ups for playdates are the same. You're teaching your children how to build essential connections while also strengthening your own.

Offer to share some of your playground treats.

Giving up valuable items may be difficult at first, but instilling the practice of sharing in children may build kindness and create connections.

Bring a meal to the new parents

Taking care of a meal can help make those hectic first few weeks a little easier. Plus, nothing inspires wonder quite like a tiny new person.