I’m the mom that you might consider a bit quirky. You know, the one who turns drop-offs into a spectacle. But instead of showering my kids with mushy goodbyes, I send them off with a loud and cheerful reminder: “Be kind!”
When I pick them up in the afternoon, my first question is always, “Who did you show kindness to today?” Sometimes they need a moment to ponder, only to finally respond, “I helped Lucy when she tripped,” or “I shared my snacks with Ben.” Other times, their faces light up as they recount tales of joy: “I made Emma giggle!” or “I told Sam his shoes were cool!” Only after we’ve explored their acts of kindness do I ask about their academics. “Did you have homework?” “How did that math test go?” But honestly, those details pale in comparison to the kindness they’ve given and received. That’s what truly matters to me.
In a world often dominated by anger and negativity, it’s crucial to focus on kindness. The headlines can be overwhelming, and social media comments are often filled with vitriol. But kindness is the antidote we need. It’s not enough to just avoid being unkind; we must actively choose to be kind.
While we can talk to our kids about kindness indefinitely, it’s essential to model it as well. Just the other day, while driving, my partner, Alex, had a car cut him off. He reacted calmly, but then the other driver pulled up beside us, rolled down his window, and apologized profusely. Alex laughed it off and told him it was no problem. Afterward, I explained to the kids, “See? Mistakes happen. Apologize, forgive, and move on. And if you can, find a reason to laugh. That’s kindness in action.”
I don’t always live up to my own high standards of kindness. I lose my temper more often than I’d like, forget important dates, and can be a bit snappy when I’m stressed or tired. That’s why our family has plenty of opportunities to practice apologies and forgiveness. I strive to show my children what kindness looks like by complimenting strangers and explaining that other drivers might just be having a rough day. It’s all about teaching them grace and the importance of trying to make things right after a mistake. I want my kids to be more than just nice; I want them to be genuinely kind individuals.
Sure, the world can seem filled with anger and ignorance. It’s easy to think that many parents only care about their kids’ academic achievements or athletic prowess. We hear the horror stories of parents blaming teachers for their children’s shortcomings. “Gifted” is a buzzword that gets tossed around often. Parents boast about travel team schedules and advanced classes. But I believe most parents genuinely wish to raise kind individuals, even if that means their kids aren’t the top of their class. Kids are naturally inclined toward kindness; they just need us to guide them and show them how powerful their kindness can be compared to winning a game or acing a test.
So, I’ll continue being that mom—the one who shouts “Be kind!” instead of “Have a good day!” The one who prioritizes discussions about compassion during parent-teacher meetings rather than test scores. Because let’s face it, not being unkind just isn’t enough anymore.
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In summary, teaching our kids kindness is crucial in a world filled with negativity. It’s more important than any academic achievement, and as parents, we should model this behavior. Our children are capable of spreading kindness, and that’s the legacy we want to leave behind.