What Does it Mean to be a Good Citizen?

At Bright Horizons, we believe that education is more than teaching a child content such as letters, numbers and facts. Early childhood education is about helping children become their best selves; individuals with a large capacity for kindness, empathy and character. Our Toward a Better World curriculum focuses on: 

• Civic and community responsibility
• Character development
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Environmental stewardship

Together, teachers and children create a classroom community where children are involved in a range of experiences that promote children’s development of identity, valuing diversity, and appreciating and caring for the world around them. They learn about their impact on others, their immediate classroom community and the larger world in which they live. 

How to Raise a Good Citizen

A child’s family plays a key role in supporting the development of citizenship within your child. Start first within your home, within the context of secure, responsive and nurturing relationships, and as your child grows, gradually expand to your larger community. 

Model Compassionate Behavior

Children take in a lot more of what we do than what we say. Model and encourage ethical, compassionate, empathetic and thoughtful behavior when with your child. Offer plenty of opportunities for play and social interaction, group work and discussions. Compliment your child when you see them helping someone else or caring for another. Role modeling will be key, as children under the age of 4 lack the social and cognitive skills required to execute this without assistance. 

Give Your Child Responsibility

Work on projects as a family and give your child small jobs. Keep the jobs consistent with their capabilities so they learn about the joy of helping, rather than becoming frustrated.  Be sure you help your child learn the task—perhaps first doing it alongside them—until they become confident.  It can be tempting here to use rewards to help motivate your young child. Rewards can quickly become the driving force for motivation, rather the non-reward, intrinsic value that is at the core of being a good citizen. When providing opportunities for your child to step in and help you with small tasks, try to allow your child to feel some sense of control over the task, feel connection to you and the family, and know they have the skills need to meet the challenge.

Read Books about Good Citizenship 

As with so many topics, books are a perfect starting point to spark discussion and learning. Seek high quality literature that promotes conversations about honesty, making change, or doing one’s part. Look for books that positively and authentically depict people from many ethnic, racial, religious, or cultural backgrounds. 

Connect within Your Community

As with so many topics, books are a perfect starting point to spark discussion and learning. Seek high quality literature that promotes conversations about honesty, making change, or doing one’s part. Look for books that positively and authentically depict people from many ethnic, racial, religious, or cultural backgrounds. 

Develop a Love for the Natural World

At Bright Horizons, we believe that each child is born with an innate sense of wonder, curiosity and creativity. When children are provided experiences with nature, they are able to create deep sensory and emotional connections that carry with them into adulthood. Help your child develop a love for the natural world, encouraging comfort and respect for what is around them. Encourage your child to use their resources widely, and model doing this yourself (i.e. recycling, not leaving the water running, etc.)  

Teach Simple Lessons in Civic Engagement

Bring your child with you to vote. If age-appropriate, explain the importance of voting and why you participate. A preschooler is too young to understand the complete political landscape, but they can start to learn the significance voting and begin to understand your value system. 

More on Being a Good Citizen

• Try one of these seven family-friendly ideas to teach your child about the importance of giving back.
• Discover four strategies for helping your child develop compassion.