I’m the mom who makes her kids roll their eyes at morning drop-off. But instead of the usual hugs and kisses, I give them a unique send-off: “Be kind!” Each day, as they hop out of the car, I remind them of the importance of kindness, and it’s become a part of our routine.
When I pick them up after school, my first question is always, “Who did you show kindness to today?” Sometimes they take a moment to think it over, and eventually share sweet moments like, “I made Mia smile,” or “I helped Tom when he tripped.” Their faces light up as they recount these stories, and I love hearing about their little acts of kindness. Only after that do I ask the typical school questions, like “Do you have homework?” or “How was your math test?” Honestly, their kindness stories matter so much more to me than grades.
In a world filled with negativity and anger, kindness is the antidote. The constant barrage of troubling news can be overwhelming, and it feels like kindness is needed now more than ever. While we often hear the phrase “Don’t be a jerk,” it’s essential to go beyond that and cultivate genuine kindness.
We can discuss kindness with our kids until we’re blue in the face, but it’s crucial that we demonstrate this value in our everyday lives. Just the other day, while driving home from dinner, a car cut in front of us. My partner, Jake, swerved to avoid an accident and honked, but thankfully the other driver pulled up alongside us and apologized for his mistake. Jake laughed it off and reassured him that it was alright. This moment became a teaching opportunity: “He was just saying sorry! Mistakes happen; we forgive and move on. If you can, laugh about it and always be kind.”
I strive to meet my own standards of kindness, even if I fall short sometimes. I can be impatient, forgetful, and a bit cranky when I’m stressed or tired. Our family practices a lot of apologies and forgiveness, but that’s how we grow.
I make an effort to model kindness for my kids by complimenting strangers and showing understanding when someone makes a mistake. It’s all about teaching them that it’s perfectly okay to mess up—as long as you have good intentions and try to make amends. I want my children to be compassionate individuals, not just polite ones.
Despite the chaos out there, I believe that most parents genuinely want to raise kind kids. Sure, we often hear about the pressures of being the best student or athlete, but I believe that kindness should take precedence. It’s crucial to foster their natural inclination to be kind, which is far more important than any trophy or grade.
So, I’ll continue to be that mom—the one who shouts “Be kind!” instead of “Have a great day!” The one who prioritizes kindness over test scores. I want to engage in conversations about friendship and teamwork at parent-teacher meetings rather than just focusing on academic achievements. Because in today’s world, simply not being a jerk isn’t enough.
If you’re interested in learning more about the journey towards parenthood, consider checking out this article on home insemination, and for those looking to enhance fertility, this fertility booster for men could be a valuable resource. Additionally, for comprehensive information on assisted reproductive technologies, visit this NHS resource on IVF.
Summary
Raising kind kids is essential in a world that often feels overwhelmingly negative. By prioritizing kindness in our daily routines and modeling it ourselves, we can instill this vital value in our children. Let’s continue to encourage them to be compassionate and empathetic members of society, reminding them that kindness is far more important than academic achievements.