Why Hanging Out With Kids Is Good For You

New research says spending time with children can be a boon to our mental health and the community at large.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Science Says Hanging Out With Kids Is Good For You   We know the importance of kids having good adult role models, but new research says spending time with children can be a boon to our mental health and the community at large. The April 2021 study was published in Social Psychological and Personality Science and consisted of both a field study and in-lab experiments with over 2,000 adults.   There were two key findings. First, that adults who simply thought about children in the exercises became more compassionate and helpful. Second, that being in the presence of kids made adults more likely to make charitable donations.   The former data was collected by a series of questions posed to the participants. The latter was gathered in a 2019 field study where adult passers-by were asked to donate to a blood charity. When more children were in the area, they were more likely to donate.     The suggestion is that children may hold the key to influencing more positive decisions that adults make that can benefit society as a whole." — DESREEN N. DUDLEY, PSY.D What This Means For You If you are a parent, grandparent, or friend/relative to children, make a concerted effort to really engage with your children. Plan fun outdoor activities, spend time connecting sans-screens, and consider ways you can serve as an excellent role model.   For those who aren't routinely around children, consider ways to interact with them through local programs, non-profits, and organizations.     On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us On Our Sleeves is a non-profit working to break the stigma around mental health among children and adolescents. Their website features a series of articles and guides, including a series titled "How to Start a Conversation With Kids," and another titled "How to Help Kids Stay Positive." Products to Help You Feel Your Best Consider the Wondergrade app an "emotional toolbox" for children. It helps parents and caregivers teach kids how to regulate big emotions, build resilience, practice empathy, and find their calm. We've rounded up 29 of the best toys in 2021 that will bring a smile to your favorite little face. Embrace your inner kid and play along. Read These Next Acts of Kindness Can Improve Your Well-Being READ NOW How You Can Learn to Be More Compassionate READ NOW What Research Shows About the Decision to Have Children READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy