I’m that parent. You know, the one who manages to embarrass their children during morning drop-offs. But instead of showering them with kisses or wiping their faces, I opt for something a bit more unconventional. As they hop out of the car each day, I cheerfully announce, “Be kind!”
When I pick them up later, my first question is always, “Who did you show kindness to today?” Sometimes they pause, pondering their responses, and eventually share that they were kind to their teacher by not chatting too much. Other times, the joy spills out: “I made Jamie laugh!” “I complimented Alex on his cool shoes.” “I helped Lily pick up her crayons.” “Tommy walked me to the nurse after I tripped during recess.”
After we’ve exhausted our chat about kindness, I then move on to the usual school day inquiries. “Do you have homework?” “How was your math quiz?” “Should we review those spelling words?” But honestly, those academic questions pale in comparison to the importance I place on kindness.
In a world increasingly overshadowed by anger and division, it’s hard to stay optimistic. The news can be overwhelming, and comment sections online are rife with hostility. Public shaming is rampant, and negativity seems to permeate everyday interactions.
So what’s the antidote? Kindness. It’s not just about avoiding being rude; it’s about actively being compassionate. We can preach kindness to our kids all day long, but that’s just the start. We must also model it. Just the other night, while driving to dinner, a car cut off my partner, Jake. He honked and swerved, but then the other driver pulled up alongside us and apologized profusely. To my relief, Jake laughed it off and assured him everything was okay. We all drove away feeling lighter.
“What was that about?” one of my kids asked. “He was saying sorry,” I replied. “Mistakes happen. It’s important to apologize, forgive, and move on. A little laughter helps too.”
Shouldn’t that be the norm? I strive to uphold high standards of kindness, even if I stumble. I’m not perfect; I raise my voice more than I should, I forget important dates, and I can be quite grumpy when stressed or hungry. This is why our family practices forgiveness frequently.
I don’t just tell my kids to be kind; I actively show them. I compliment strangers in front of them. I explain that a driver who cuts us off might just be having a rough day. I emphasize the importance of grace and understanding. I want them to know it’s okay to falter, as long as their intentions are good and they attempt to make amends. My goal isn’t just to raise kids who avoid being rude; I want them to be genuinely kind.
It might seem like negativity and ignorance are everywhere, with some parents seemingly only focused on their kids becoming top-notch students or athletes. We hear horror stories of parents blaming teachers for their children’s shortcomings. Words like “gifted” fly around casually, and parents love to boast about their kids’ busy schedules. But I believe differently. I hold that there are far more compassionate people in the world than unkind ones. Most parents, I think, really want their kids to grow up to be kind individuals, even if that means sacrificing some accolades.
Kids are naturally inclined to be kind; we just need to nurture that trait. Their ability to spread kindness matters far more than winning games or acing tests. So, I’ll continue to be that mom—the one who shouts “Be kind!” instead of “Have a great day!” The one who prioritizes discussions about empathy and teamwork rather than just academic performance. Because in today’s world, not being rude isn’t nearly enough.
For more insights on parenting and kindness, check out this informative post at Intracervical Insemination. If you’re looking for expert resources on home insemination, visit Cryobaby. And for those interested in the science of conception, this Wikipedia page offers a wealth of knowledge.
Summary:
This article emphasizes the importance of raising kind children in a world increasingly characterized by anger and division. It shares personal anecdotes about modeling kindness and prioritizing compassion over academic achievements. The author encourages parents to nurture their children’s natural inclination toward kindness and to actively demonstrate this value in daily life.