I’m that parent you might see at school drop-off, the one whose enthusiastic send-off prompts eye rolls from the kids. But instead of the typical farewells, I have a unique mantra: “Be kind!” This simple phrase has become a daily ritual that I hope sticks with them.
When I pick them up later, I make it a point to inquire, “Who did you show kindness to today?” Sometimes, they’ll ponder for a moment before sharing that they helped a classmate or said something nice to a teacher. Other times, the stories spill out with excitement: “I cheered up Sarah!” or “I helped Jake when he fell.” This exchange is a priority for me; it’s far more meaningful than asking about homework or tests. The real measure of their day, in my eyes, is how they’ve treated others.
The negativity surrounding us can be overwhelming. News headlines can be disheartening, and social media often feels like a battleground of harsh words and hostility. It’s easy to feel disheartened when the world seems filled with anger and pain. However, kindness is the antidote to this chaos. It’s not enough to simply avoid being rude; we must actively embrace and demonstrate kindness.
Recently, while driving home, my partner found himself nearly cut off by another driver. After a quick honk, the other driver rolled down his window to apologize profusely. Instead of escalating the situation, they both shared a laugh and moved on. I took this moment to explain to my children, “See? Mistakes happen. It’s important to apologize and forgive, and if you can, find humor in it.” This is the kind of behavior I want them to emulate.
I often fall short of the high kindness standards I set for myself. I can be impatient, forgetful, and occasionally lose my temper. This is why our family practices forgiveness and communication regularly. I strive to exemplify kindness in front of my children; whether it’s complimenting someone or interpreting a driver’s actions with empathy, I aim to teach them the value of understanding and grace. I want my children to genuinely care for others, not just to avoid being mean.
In a society that sometimes prioritizes achievement over character, I believe we should focus on raising compassionate individuals. While many parents may obsess over grades or sports, I think the majority truly desire to cultivate kindness in their children. Our kids are naturally inclined towards compassion; it’s our job to nurture that instinct rather than letting it fade.
So, I’ll continue being that parent who shouts “Be kind!” instead of the usual “Have a great day!” I’ll prioritize conversations about empathy over academic achievements during parent-teacher meetings. Because, in the end, kindness is what truly matters in this world.
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Summary
Encouraging kindness in children is essential in today’s world filled with negativity. By prioritizing kindness through daily rituals and modeling compassionate behavior, parents can raise empathetic individuals who understand the importance of treating others well.