I firmly believe that kindness and empathy are fundamental virtues, both for individuals and society as a whole. Every major religion emphasizes some form of the Golden Rule, which highlights the importance of treating others as we wish to be treated. As a parent, I find myself wishing for this principle to be upheld more than ever, especially for my children. I yearn for a world where kids are treated with the same compassion we hope they will extend to others.
While I understand that others might not see my children through the same lens of love and protection, it is still disheartening to witness moments where this empathy seems absent. Children ultimately encounter a world that can be harsh and unforgiving, and it is my duty to prepare them to navigate it. I strive to instill in them the importance of treating others well, regardless of how they are treated in return. I remind them to look for the helpers — because they are always present.
Reflecting on this, I was reminded of the kindness I received from adults during my childhood. Neighbors and teachers, like Mrs. Adams, who supported me through tough times, shaped my understanding of communal care and respect. This spirit of generosity is vital, especially for children who may not have all the support they need from their own families.
The catalyst for my reflections occurred during a visit to a local coffee shop, where I overheard a conversation among three women. One woman, dressed in designer athletic wear and sipping her premium latte, dominated the discussion. She lamented about her daughter’s “annoying friends” who overstayed their welcome and consumed her food.
What struck me was her attitude toward these children. She complained about having to provide them snacks and begrudgingly mentioned that she would buy “crappy apples” instead of her cherished honey crisps. She even expressed irritation when the kids wanted to stay longer, remarking that she would sometimes prepare lunch just to “shoo them away.” The woman mentioned, “I felt bad or something, so I’d make them a peanut butter sandwich, but there’s no way I’d share my expensive lunch meat. I’m going to start keeping Jif just for them.”
I was horrified. Here she was, an affluent woman, voicing disdain for feeding children. Even more perplexing was her desire to teach a kindness class in her daughter’s school, suggesting that perhaps she could benefit from such a class herself.
This moment resonated deeply with me because I had once been that neighborhood child, relying on the goodwill of others when my own parents couldn’t always provide. It pains me to think that people might view children as inconveniences rather than individuals deserving of care and respect.
To all the wonderful individuals out there who support neighborhood kids and embody the Golden Rule: THANK YOU! Your compassion profoundly impacts young lives. I am grateful to have been raised in a community that shared what little they had with love. I pledge that if any child is ever in need of a meal or kindness, I will be there for them — and I won’t be offering “crappy apples.”
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In conclusion, the conversation I overheard served as a stark reminder of the importance of empathy in our interactions, especially towards children. It is crucial that we foster a nurturing environment where kids feel valued and loved, allowing them to grow into compassionate adults.
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