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
Combating Antisemitism: Working with Unlikely Allies to Challenge Hate
As Jews and other marginalized communities find themselves increasingly under hate-filled attack, it’s more important than ever that we stand together. During this webinar, renowned coalition-building experts will explore the powerful potential of intercommunity allyship, how to initiate and cultivate these relationships, and responsibilities and expectations on both sides. Co-Sponsored by several organizations among them […]
Sinai Temple: What is Kindness in YOUR Family?
Sinai Temple of Los Angeles – School Parents’ Group Thursday, May 20th, 12:30pm EST
JFS Greenwich: Kindness – Key to Your Well-Being
What a year this has been! Join in a conversation with Dr. Dale Atkins, co-author of The Kindness Advantage, about the multiple ways kindness and compassion positively affect your well-being. Discover how intentionally incorporating kindness can deepen relationships and enhance meaning and purpose in your life. REGISTER HERE Questions? Contact Larry Stoogenke: Lstoogenke@jfsgreenwich.org | 203-622-1881 […]
ViacomCBS: Safety and Mental Health in a Digital World
Presented by ViacomCBS and ParentHood Moderated by Jericka Duncan, National News Correspondent for CBS Weekend News Wednesday, April 21st, 12p-2:30p EST Virtual, Internal Event Panelists: Dale Atkins Dr. Rachael Kent James Garissi Jason Burt
Dale Atkins: Tikkun Olam and The Advantages of Aging with Kindness
Join DR. DALE ATKINS as she explores the multifaceted positive relationship between kindness and healthy aging. She will share research and specific examples of the ways that acts of kindness toward ourselves and others affect our total well-being. Senior Connections, Temple Beth El, Reform Judaism, Santa Cruz Style (Virtual) Zoom Link: https://tbeaptos.zoom.us/j/264744173?pwd=ZUF1ZTc2K1RtQ252cUtXQnI1WG9Wdz09#success Passcode: PASSOVER For […]
Antisemitism on Campus: Are We Ensuring a Safe Environment for The Jewish Community?
Sponsored by the CT ADL (Anti-Defamation League), The Jewish Federation of Hartford, CT and The Simon Wiesenthal Center. Dr. Dale Atkins moderates this WEBINAR featuring national experts in the field as well as students on college campuses. Panelists include Frederick M. Lawrence and Ethan Felson. The rise of antisemitism on college campuses is a major […]
Endorsements
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President Emerita, Teachers College Columbia University
The Kindness Advantage is the perfect book. Building on scientific evidence about developing aspects of kindness, such as empathy, it gives clear, practical advice to parents and suggests engaging activities and stories for children. Nothing could be more important today than increasing compassion and decreasing polarization and acrimony. I am going to give this book to my son who has a young daughter.
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Author and Founder, Positive Parenting Solutions
The Kindness Advantage by Dale Atkins, PhD, and Amanda Salzhauer, MSW is exactly what we need more of right now. With empowering examples and science-based truths, Dale and Amanda share what it takes to foster kindness, empathy, compassion, and heart in our families. Parents will learn how to take on social questions and connect in a way that will improve the lives of their children and help create a more nurturing world. Highly recommended!
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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 […]