Can you think of a time when someone was kind to you? Where were you? How did it make you feel? Did it change your day?
I will never forget when a complete stranger read a blog post I wrote about my then 3-year-old's favorite blanket being stolen along with our family's suitcases. My family lost so much when our suitcases were stolen, along with our hope in humanity.
Why would someone steal our suitcase? How could someone be so mean? I feel violated. I don't trust anyone.
The stranger that read my blog post happened to have the exact replica of the blanket at her house. Not only did she package it up nicely, she also wrote a love note to my child, from the blanket and sent it to us! This small act changed my child's life and gave her comfort, and it also impacted me. It gave me hope and changed my negative perspective.
Why would a complete stranger send us their blanket? How can someone be so kind? There is still kindness in the world. I choose to see the good. I want to be good, too.
If you know me, you know I am a big fan of showing kindness to others. I believe small acts of kindness can change the world. My children's book, Be the Sparkle, talks about ways to be a light when the world feels dark. Like a found missing blanket, one small act, a sparkle, can make someone's day better. In an uncertain, sometimes scary world, that is a big deal.
I think it's important to take the same approach with our kids, especially as they start a new school year. Our kids face so many challenges outside the home such as peer pressure, academic stress, extracurricular busyness, and more! Parents and caregivers should be a resting place, and home should be a safe place full of kindness and love.
I am not a perfect parent by any means, but I have learned that being kind to our children is crucial for their well-being and development.
When we show kindness, we create a nurturing environment that fosters trust and security. This, in turn, helps children feel valued and respected. By being kind, we teach them empathy, compassion, and how to build healthy relationships. It also boosts their self-esteem and confidence, enabling them to navigate challenges with resilience.
Ultimately, being kind to our children lays the foundation for them to grow into caring, empathetic adults who contribute positively to the world around them.
Here are ways we can sparkle for our children this school year:
Take the pressure off: It's important to create a stress-free environment for our children to thrive in.
Believe them: Showing trust and belief in our children can boost their confidence and self-esteem.
Find solutions: Being proactive in problem-solving helps children feel supported and empowered.
Don't assume the worst: Keeping a positive outlook can encourage better communication and understanding.
Focus on their strengths: Acknowledging and nurturing their strengths can help build resilience and a positive self-image.
Know their learning style: Understanding how they learn best can enhance their educational experience and performance.
Advocate for them: Being their advocate can ensure they receive the support and resources they need to succeed.
Pursue what they love: Encouraging their passions can foster creativity, motivation, and a sense of fulfillment.
Learn with them: Sharing learning experiences can strengthen the parent-child bond and demonstrate the value of education.
Ask open-ended questions: Engaging in meaningful conversations can promote critical thinking and communication skills.
Provide opportunities: Offering diverse opportunities can help children explore their interests and talents.
Don't nag: Avoiding constant reminders and instead fostering independence can promote self-discipline and responsibility.
Let them teach you: Allowing children to share their knowledge and insights can boost their confidence and leadership skills.
Be gentle: Showing empathy and understanding can create a nurturing and supportive environment for children.
Make their favorite snack: Small gestures like preparing their favorite snack can show love and care.
Leave notes in their lunch box or on their mirror: Surprise messages can brighten their day and strengthen the parent-child bond.
As parents, caregivers, and educators, let's strive to be the shining examples of kindness for our children this school year. Just like the stranger did by sending my child a lost blanket, by demonstrating empathy, compassion, and respect in our interactions with with our children, we not only nurture their well-being but also instill in them the values needed to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world. Let's continue to be the sparkles that illuminate their path, guiding them towards a future where kindness and understanding reign supreme.
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