Teaching Kindness, Staying Kind

--by jacqueline, posted Nov 5, 2007

The other day I decided to teach my son about the power of small acts of kindness. He had won some lollies in a prize machine in the local supermarket, so I asked him if he would like to share his win with the next child that walks past. He was hesitant because he is a shy young man but said yes after I encouraged him a bit.

A father and his child were nearby. I approached the father and asked if my son could give his daughter a lolly that he had won. The father looked at me sideways and was unsure what to say. I further explained how I was coaching my son about the power of kindness. Eventually he said it was okay.

We approached his daughter ... who wouldn’t accept the lollies! She too was looking at us sideways with uncertainty! At this stage my son was rather embarrassed and red as a beetroot by the fact she wouldn’t accept his offering and then he whispers to me, “We go to the same school, Mum”.

Rather than apologize to my son for causing him embarrassment AND give up on the act of kindness … I followed through by popping a couple of lollies into their shopping bags and wished them a great day!

When we left the supermarket, I explained to my son that “… people in the world today are not so open to kindness because their thoughts and opinions have been shaped by the past. However, we can reshape their opinions by doing these random acts of kindness. So don’t be embarrassed my son. Hey, they may have been standoffish but I’m sure we left them touched, moved and inspired in some way. And the young girl will remember you as the boy with a big heart, when she bumps into you at school!”

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Posted by jacqueline
Nov 5, 2007
Comments (19)

Readers Comments

AURELIA wrote: Good for you to teach your son such a giving lesson. He shared his good fortune with a school mate and maybe they'll even become friends. Like you said, she'll remember him for his big heart. :) ~Aurelia

raqui wrote: It is true, Living here in NYC it is best if you dont take anything from anyone. If you stay away from your neighbors. Mind your business and just walk past people.

Things are so diffrent now a days and it has become dangerous to share. We live in times that are distrustfull. I find it strange when random strangers try to give me something or smile and talk for no reason. That is what it is like growing up in NYC.

But you can reach out to people and if one person doesnt want it another will. You just have to keep trying. It is good to teach children to share things. It is a good lesson.

Raqui

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: I'm glad you keep trying to teach your son kindness. Even though this time it didn't go as well as you would have liked, it always makes a difference for both the giver and potential recipient. Thanks for helping your son be a light in the world!

Angel4eva wrote: Its wonderful that you are teaching your child to do random acts of kindness I plan on doing that when I have children.

mdadlaza wrote: wow such simple acts of kindness are rare to come by.

mdadlaza wrote: kind acts always find a place in some heart mdadlaza

jojomcb wrote: what a beautiful lesson.

Lovebug wrote: I am glad I did not growup in NYC, and do believe small acts of kindness will reshape the world, but do not think it will happen in this life time, but a small start is better than nothing.

loretta wrote: A lesson we can all learn from.

laurina wrote: Wonderful that you perservered! Maybe the next time will be easier for your son.

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