It turns out that raising kind kids might be the ultimate parenting win for everyone’s well-being.
A new Mood & Kindness Check-In survey from Crispy Green reveals that 90% of moms across the U.S. are intentionally raising their kids to be kinder — and it’s paying off in powerful ways.
Forget complicated wellness trends. Moms say kindness is their favorite mood booster. Neuroscientist, health expert, and author of Sugarless: A 7-Step Plan to Uncover Hidden Sugars, Curb Your Cravings, and Conquer Your Addiction, Dr. Nicole Avena explains why: Small acts of kindness spark feel-good brain chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin, creating a ripple effect of positivity at home (and beyond).
Survey Highlights:
→ 65% of moms say kindness significantly improves their mood
→ Only 15% unplug from social to reset — connection > isolation
→ Moms credit kindness over perfection when it comes to raising kids today
I had a chance to interview Dr. Avena to learn more.
How can being kind benefit the brain?
Being kind actually activates areas of the brain associated with pleasure, connection, and emotional regulation—specifically the prefrontal cortex and the reward centers like the striatum. Acts of kindness increase the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, which help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and well-being. Over time, practicing kindness can even help lower inflammation and support cognitive resilience by fostering a more balanced emotional state.
Why can kindness actually be a form of self-care?
Kindness doesn’t just help others—it also nourishes us mentally and physically. Engaging in kind behavior can lower cortisol levels (the body’s primary stress hormone), support heart health, and reduce feelings of anxiety or loneliness. Just like eating well or getting enough sleep, choosing kindness is a form of emotional self-care that reinforces positive mental patterns and helps us stay grounded and connected.
How can parents and caregivers model kindness and encourage it in their kids?
Children learn kindness best by example. When parents show compassion in everyday moments—offering help to a neighbor, speaking gently during stressful times, or actively listening—they’re teaching kids how to be empathetic and thoughtful. Creating family rituals that include gratitude, volunteering, or simply checking in emotionally each day helps reinforce kindness as a shared family value. Recognizing and praising kind behavior also encourages children to repeat it.
Why is it important for families to practice kindness in the home?
Home is the first place children experience emotional safety and social learning. When kindness is woven into daily interactions—through patience, shared responsibilities, and supportive communication—it builds trust and emotional resilience. A kind family environment also serves as a buffer against outside stressors, helping both kids and adults better manage challenges and build stronger relationships, both inside and outside the home.
Read the press release at https://crispygreen.com/
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