![](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CaringandSharing_Articles_KindnessStudy-560x420.jpg)
The Kindness Study
Read Sesame’s findings about kindness from families and teachers.
“Kind” is a word we use a lot—but what does it really mean? Sometimes kids—and parents—have trouble defining kindness (does it just mean “nice”?). In 2016, Sesame Workshop conducted a survey called “K Is for Kind.” We wanted to hear what being kind meant to parents and providers, and what role kindness plays in kids’ lives.
Here’s what the research team found:
- 70% of parents worry that the world is an unkind place for their kids.
- 78% of teachers thought it was more important for children to be kind to others, rather than be successful in school.
- Teachers think parents can help kids grow kinder. 34% of teachers felt that all or most parents are raising their kids to be empathic and kind.
- 40% of parents think their own child is very helpful.
- Being polite (having manners) and showing empathy were sometimes used interchangeably.
Words like “please” and “thank you” are important, and so are manners and polite behavior such as sitting nicely at a table. But it’s empathy—being able to connect deeply with others’ feelings, and understanding and embracing each other’s differences and perspectives—that benefits us all. Empathy starts by watching grown-ups model it. And any moment, in any place, can be an opportunity to demonstrate and talk about empathy.
![Two adults and children are engaging in nature and outdoor activities.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USSI-PSEG-Article-Community-667x500.jpg)
Engaging Kids with Nature and Community: Outdoor Activities and Adventures
Learning to care for the environment starts with loving the natural world around you.
![Printable Julias Community Mural.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Printable-JuliasCommunityMural-ENG-667x500.jpg)
Julia’s Community Mural
There are so many ways to be kind, caring, and helpful in our communities!
![Community Garden Clean-up.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Printable-CommunityGardenCleanUp-ENG-667x500.jpg)
Community Garden Clean-up
Teamwork makes taking care of our communities a little easier.
![Printable Community Connection.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Printable-CommunityConnections-ENG-667x500.jpg)
Community Connections
Showing our love through art is one great way to care for one another.
![Printable Playground Helpers.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Printable-PlaygroundHelpers-ENG-667x500.jpg)
Playground Helpers
Help the Twiddlebugs find their lost materials to build their playground!
![Printable Together Trail.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Printable-TogetherTrail-ENG-667x500.jpg)
Together Trail
Help children practice counting and learn ways to help your community.
![A Grown-up and child helping out in a community garden.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Webinar_LittleNeighbors-667x500.jpg)
Little Neighbors: Fostering Community Connection, Engagement, and Exploration