Finding our way to a kinder culture―a culture that starts with our families.
Book Description
In homes and school communities nationwide, there is re-energized interest in the values of community, compassion, and tolerance, and in finding our way to a kinder culture—a culture that starts with our families. Headlines speak of hate crimes, intolerance, and us-versus-them divisiveness. Recent political events have left many Americans yearning for unity, respect, and compassion in our national discourse. In our schools, bullying continues to be a pervasive problem, and in our homes, ‘screen-time’ poses a constant threat to ‘family time.’ Research shows that connection and social engagement are key to successful, fulfilling lives, and yet we have never been less connected than we are now. Perhaps more than any other group, parents recognize the potential damage of this trend.
Our Story
Photos by Marcia Ciriello
We are both mental health professionals who have devoted our lives to working with families and children. We are a mom and grandma. We are an aunt and niece team. We share experiences from our work lives and values from our own family. We originally set out to write a book about raising charitable children. Along the way, we realized that being charitable (which we see as helping others) is not just about charity. We have observed that certain characteristics appear to be an integral part of exceptionally charitable people. We believe that with very few exceptions, each of us is born with these characteristics. We can learn to recognize and pay attention to how we incorporate them into our daily life and nurture them in our children. These concepts are vital to living a caring and purposeful life. We hope The Kindness Advantage will help your whole family discover ways to make a positive impact in the world.
Events & Appearances
In Conversation with Frank Schaeffer
In Conversation… With Frank Schaeffer Thursday, April 21, 2022 A Caregiving Forum @ 1pm EST Mim Senft, Dr. Dale Atkins, Karina Muller About Frank Schaeffer’s Podcast I’m starting a new conversation with the artists, authors, activists, and change – makers who are shaping our world today. Join the conversation at LoveChildrenPlanet.com
Lessons from Our Parents: From Hate to Kindness
Wednesday April 20th, 7-8pm EST Lessons from Our Parents: From Hate to Kindness (FREE) Morse Life Next Generations Register Here: https://www.nextgenerations.org/ Dr. Dale V. Atkins, co-author of The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassionate and Connected Children, presents the research behind the fundamentals of kindness and explores with our own second and third generation panelists what they […]
Jewish Community Relations Council Presents: Cultivating a Caring Soul
With Dr. Dale Atkins, Ph.D., author of The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassionate and Connected Children 7:00pm – 9:00pm EST Hosted by the United Jewish Federation of Stamford Join Via Zoom For more information, please visit: https://www.ujf.org/calendar/jcrc-cultivating-a-caring-soul-series-the-kindness-advantage-1629401126
Caring for Loved Ones, Caring for Yourself
JOIN US Tuesday, March 15, 2022 6:30pm EST (Virtual) REGISTER: https://www.ujafedny.org/event/view/caring-for-loved-ones #Caregiving for loved ones can be an overwhelming experience. Join UJA Women for an informative panel discussion to benefit recent, current and potential caregivers in the future. Our panelists will offer information, tools, and resources to help make the experiences of #caregivers and those […]
Staying Sane, Grounded and Healthy During COVID… The Saga Continues
Thursday, January 13th at 8pm EST Dale Atkins leads a conversation about mental health during Omicron. Sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of Greenwich.
BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Podcast
Join Dr. Dale Atkins and host Meryl Comer for the BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Podcast, to be aired on Tuesday, December 21st. BrainStorm, a free podcast series by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, features conversations with doctors, researchers, authors and luminaries, people living with dementia and their caregivers. We’ll delve into what matters most to you about your brain, and […]
Endorsements
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Author of Lovingkindness and Real Love
Rather than abstractly teaching children to be kind, this book is a guide to help parents discover and nurture the qualities of kindness already hardwired in us at infancy. With their parent(s)' help children can discover for themselves the many expressions of kindness that can ensure their current and future well being.
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Author, The Craving Mind: From Cigarettes to Smartphones to Love – Why We Get Hooked and How We Can Break Bad Habits
In this day and age, kindness and connection are especially important. An accessible and informative guide, The Kindness Advantage is a must read for parents of all ages.
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Executive Director, Fund for Cities of Service
In times of discord and polarization, kindness is a family value that can often be overlooked and underestimated. But, in truth, few parental responsibilities carry more weight -- and bring more joy -- than teaching children the power of flexing their own kindness muscles. Steeped in research and brimming with practical tips, The Kindness Advantage provides parents with a blueprint for nurturing empathy in young children, while offering real-life stories that both instruct and inspire. This is a thoughtful guidebook for parents, caregivers, and any adults looking to help build happiness, raise good citizens, and create harmonious communities.
Press
Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books Podcast
Amanda Salzhauer, THE KINDNESS ADVANTAGE 2019-09-26 iOS Android Share Amanda Salzhauer, MSW, is the coauthor, along with Dale Atkins, PhD, of The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassionate and Connected Children, Everyday Ideas for Raising Kids Who Care. Amanda is a social worker who has worked in both clinics and private practice. Her book is amazing because it highlights the […]
10 Books for Parents Who Want to Raise Kind Kids
10 Books For Parents Who Want To Raise Kind Kids These parenting books emphasize emotional intelligence, empathy and respect for others. ByCaroline Bologna 09/03/2019 05:45am EDT Raising kids who will show empathy and kindness toward others is, understandably, a big priority for parents today. There are many ways to teach children to be forces for good in […]