I’ve always held the belief that empathy and kindness are the cornerstones of a thriving society. Every major faith teaches some form of the Golden Rule, and as a parent, I find myself more committed to this principle than ever. I yearn for my children to grow up in a world where they are treated with the same compassion and respect that we hope to instill in them.
However, I also recognize that no one will perceive my children in the same way I do. I don’t expect other parents to find humor in my kids’ awkward jokes or to have the same fierce protectiveness over them. Yet, I know there will be moments when I cannot shield them from life’s harsh realities. It’s my duty to prepare them for a world that can be unforgiving and to encourage them to embody the Golden Rule, regardless of how others act. I remind them to always seek out the helpers because they are indeed present.
Throughout my life, I’ve encountered numerous individuals who cared deeply for children who weren’t their own. I remember the kindness of my 5th-grade teacher, Ms. Johnson, who supported me during my parents’ divorce, and my neighbor, Lisa, who often swooped in with treats or rides. These unsung heroes play a vital role in the lives of kids, and their generosity often goes unnoticed.
My thoughts on this were stirred when I overheard a conversation at a local coffee shop. I was seated with my daughter, sharing a table with three women. One woman, dressed in trendy athleisure wear and sipping a gourmet latte, dominated the discussion. She lamented about her daughter’s friends who, according to her, overstayed their welcome and consumed her food.
What struck me was her reaction to these children. She vented about how she had to provide snacks for them and how now she was forced to buy “cheap apples” instead of her treasured honey crisps. To my disbelief, she recounted how she prepared lunches to “shoo the kids away” and expressed frustration when they wanted to stay, stating, “I guess I felt bad, so I would make them a peanut butter sandwich, but there’s no way I would share my fancy lunch meat. I’m just going to buy a jar of Jif just for when they come over.”
I was taken aback. Here was this individual, in her designer clothes, complaining about feeding children. Even more perplexing was her intention to teach a kindness class at her daughter’s school. It made me think—perhaps she should consider attending a kindness class herself.
This resonated with me on a personal level because I was once that neighborhood kid who relied on the generosity of others. It pains me to think of how I might have been perceived—as an inconvenience unworthy of good food.
To those compassionate individuals who support neighborhood children and strive to uphold the Golden Rule: thank you! Your kindness is invaluable. I feel fortunate to have grown up in a community that shared whatever little they had with love. I vow to extend that same support to any child in need, and I’ll make sure it’s not with the “cheap apples.”
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In summary, our interactions with children shape the future of our society. Encouraging kindness and empathy in our homes and communities is paramount. Let’s all work together to ensure that every child feels valued and supported.