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 indicates 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. Children who are raised in a culture where giving and compassion are valued become happier and more positively engaged with those around them. They are less likely to treat others disrespectfully. With increased concern about meanness and bullying, you may be among the many parents who see the need for more civil, respectful, and considerate behavior among our children.   The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassionate and Connected Children , authored by Dr. Dale Atkins, Ph.D. and Amanda R. Salzhauer, MSW, is a practical compassion book for parents to teach their children empathy and compassion, how to impact and influence others, and cultivate what matters.   We all benefit when children are raised with the understanding that they can impact and influence others by making conscious choices. It's never too early to start your child on a path of fulfillment through meaningful connection with others. Designed to be read with children as young as 4 years, Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer offer 10 fundamental concepts to weave into your family's daily life. Using text, quotes, questions and real life stories, The Kindness Advantage is the first compassion book parents need to think about when teaching the necessary skills to be a kind, and yes, compassionate person. Each idea on its own is simple and unintimidating, yet together they form the powerful foundation that parents need - extending beyond teaching "please" and "thank you" - to teach empathy and kindness habits to their children that will last a lifetime.   In a world where kindness is so greatly needed, The Kindness Advantage offers inspiration and activities to teach kids empathy, to cultivate what matters most, to inspire a culture of compassion and connection, and to empower children to make a difference in their community and in the world. " The Kindness Advantage is an inspiring and informative read for any parent who wants to help their children harness their inner kindness. In The Kindness Advantage we learn that children innately have kindness and compassion ingrained in them. Dr. Atkins and Ms. Salzhauer provide parents practical advice for how to cultivate and nurture that in their children. Parents are offered a myriad of tools to help them talk to their children about being kind, as well as ways to get them involved in activities that can help cultivate compassion for others and a sense that they can make a difference in the world. This book is exactly what we need right now to help us shape the next generation into compassionate and caring individuals who will have a desire to change the world for the better." Joan Lunden, Award-Winning Journalist, Best Selling Author " 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!" Amy McCready, Author and Founder, Positive Parenting Solutions " 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." Dr. Susan Fuhrman, President Emerita, Teachers College Columbia University " The Kindness Advantage is the ray of hope that we all need in this harsh, heavy, world. It is a blueprint of how to partner with the next generation to live our inherent values, to tap our organic ability to love, and to create a kinder culture. Many thanks to Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer for bringing this much-needed gift to the world!" Rev. Susan Sparks, Pastor, Comedian, and Author of Laugh Your Way to Grace "A moving, profound story about the love between mothers and daug