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
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 […]
How to Nurture a Meaningful Relationship with a Child Who Has Hearing Loss
Join the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) for an informative conversation with Dr. Dale Atkins, author of The Kindness Advantage, a practical guide for parents to teach their kids how to tap into kindness when dealing with today’s tough issues. ONLINE WITH CAPTIONS The presentation will include: 10 fundamental concepts to build your relationship […]
Creating a Community of Kindness Despite COVID Restrictions: What we can do to maximize kindness during stressful times
Sponsored by The Little Dolphins by the Sea Preschool Parent Association 10:30am PST / 1:30pm EST
Jewish Foundation of Greater Hartford 2021 Annual Meeting and Celebration
Please join the Jewish Foundation of Greater Hartford for our 2021 Annual Meeting & Celebration Monday, September 13 – Online 5:30pm – 6:30pm EST Pre-registration required Register at https://bit.ly/JFGH2021AnnualMeeting Don’t forget to BYO beverage Featuring Presentation of the Zachs Spirit of Judaism Award to Shayna Gopin and Stuart Rabinowitz Recognition of incoming and […]
Kindness Rituals for Mental Health
Kindness Rituals for Mental Health with Special Guest Dr. Dale Atkins & Barbara Biziou Wednesday, August 18th 12pm EST Join Barbara on IG live to learn spiritual recipes to celebrate milestones, ease transitions and make every day sacred. This week’s guest is Dr. Dale Atkins, a licensed psychologist who has more than 45 years of […]
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 […]
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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#1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author, An Invisible Thread
“This enormously insightful book provides an inspiring and fundamental blueprint on how kindness can and should be taught to children. It provides essential ways to have conversations with your children on how to be kind. The Kindness Advantage reinforces how considerate and kind behavior can be life-changing and life lasting for children to help make the world a better place.”
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Certified Teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction; Clinical Associate Professor of Geriatrics, Mount Sinai Medical Center
As a physician who uses mindfulness practices extensively in working with patients, health care professionals, and people dealing with all varieties of stress, I love that this book incorporates those practices into a guide for parents who are teaching their children to be kind. The authors wisely lead with the evidence that kindness leads to greater happiness, meaning, and wellbeing, and then provide a myriad of inspirational examples and ideas for children and parents. Grandparents, who are often crucial inspirational figures in children's lives, may particularly benefit from ideas for intergenerational collaborations in kindness.
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 […]