I genuinely believe that empathy and kindness are the cornerstones of both individual character and societal harmony. This sentiment is echoed across all major religions, which often highlight a version of the Golden Rule. As parents, our perspective shifts profoundly; we yearn for our children to be treated with compassion and respect, hoping to cultivate a society where all kids are nurtured the way we wish our own to be.
However, I recognize that no one else will view my children through the same lens of love and protection as I do. I don’t expect other parents to embrace my kids with the same enthusiasm or to find humor in their silly antics. Yet, I also understand that at times, I won’t be able to shield them from the harsh realities of life. It’s my responsibility to prepare them for a world that can be unkind and unfair, teaching them to treat others with kindness regardless of how they are treated. I always remind them to seek out the helpers, as they are often present in challenging times.
Reflecting on this, I remember the many adults who looked out for me during my childhood, such as my 5th-grade teacher, Mrs. Thompson, who patiently guided me through my parents’ divorce, and my neighbor, Lisa, who frequently offered rides and treats. These unsung heroes demonstrated remarkable love and kindness, often helping children who weren’t their own.
This train of thought resurfaced when I overheard a conversation at a local coffee shop. I was sitting with my son when three women occupied the adjacent table. One of them, dressed in trendy athletic wear and sipping a pricey latte, dominated the discussion. She was venting about her daughter’s “annoying friends” who overstayed their welcome and consumed her food.
I didn’t know the full story about these children or their families, but what struck me was her dismissive attitude. She complained about providing them with snacks and mentioned that she had to resort to buying “cheap apples” because she didn’t want them to touch her premium honeycrisp varieties. She even said she would pack lunch for her daughters in an effort to keep the other kids away, expressing irritation when they wanted to linger. At one point, she admitted, “I guess I felt guilty or something, so I would make them a peanut butter sandwich, but there’s no way I’d share my fancy deli meats. I’m just going to get a jar of Jif for when they come over.”
I was appalled. Here was a woman, seemingly well-off, complaining about feeding children?! To add to my confusion, she mentioned wanting to teach a kindness class at her daughter’s school. If that’s the case, perhaps she should enroll in a kindness course herself first.
This incident resonated deeply with me because I once was that neighborhood kid, relying on the goodwill of others when my own parents, though hardworking and loving, could not always provide. It breaks my heart to think anyone could view me as an inconvenience unworthy of good food.
So, to all those wonderful individuals who extend kindness to neighborhood children and strive to embody the Golden Rule: THANK YOU! Your compassion makes a world of difference. I am incredibly grateful to have grown up in a community that shared whatever little resources it had. I promise that if I ever encounter a child in need of a meal or just a bit of extra love, I won’t be offering them “cheap apples.”
In summary, kindness is essential, and it’s important to remember the impact we can have on the lives of children who may not have the same support system.
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