Stories of Kindness from Around the World

My favorite kindness sidekick, my 7 year old daughter Rachel, was a teacher of kindness today. I wanted to share her beautiful kindness story with all of you.

We were invited to her school today by her principal for a special ceremony. Her school has a program called Character Counts which has 6 pillars (Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship). Once a month they recognize one student in the school who exemplifies the character of a particular pillar. Today the focus was on the Caring pillar, which represents being kind, compassionate, showing you care, expressing gratitude, forgiving others and helping people in need. Well, as you may have guessed, Rachel was the honoree! 

The principal called her up to the front and read many wonderfully kind things that Rachel does and what a positive role model she is. Her teacher then followed with many specific examples of Rachel’s kindness and how she touches the lives of others. It was awesome listening to all of the ways she practices kindness at her school and I could not have been prouder of my kind hearted little one. As part of her recognition, she also received a brand new bicycle!  She was surprised but very humble about everything. That’s my little kindness girl, practicing the humility I wrote about last!

But the kindness ripple doesn’t stop there. As we went to the car to load her new bike, she has decided to give the bike she has now to one of her friends who does not have a bike. That little girl will be so excited I can’t wait. Plus it is the girl’s favorite color!

As a parent I am always trying to be a good influence and teach my children what is important in life, with kindness being a critical part of that. When you see that they truly get it, there is no better feeling. Today I saw that Rachel not only gets it but is a teacher of kindness in her school. I couldn’t be happier! 

We are already planning our next kindness adventure. We have a monthly date night and Rachel has decided that for our night she wants us to perform another kindness special ops mission! Stay tuned for more on that!
MSS