by sue a allen
In a recent conversation, my teacher-friend mentioned how the school system has recognized the need to teach kindness to the kids. Over the years, it’s been forgotten and kids are not as kind. They make fun of others. Tear down. Have exclusive clubs. And the such.
Kindness? Really? It’s not something that they already know? After reflection, I realized…you know what? They’re right! They know what it means but fall dreadfully short when it comes to living it out.
Shows like Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood have been replaced with Fairly Odd Parents and the like. This generation has grown up watching intolerance, injustice, and acts of hatred left and right. They’ve seen us let fear take hold….and watched as we fret at night. But kindness…have they seen it modeled? Do they recognize it as a need right now?
- Do the words we speak lift others up…or rather tear them down?
- Do we put others in front of ourselves…or does selfishness abound?
- Will we spread joy this holiday season…or grumble as we wait in the crowd?
- Do we gossip, complain, whine, and moan…or do we spread good cheer?
- Have we forgotten the meaning of respect to those in public service? Our teachers, policemen, firemen, and others who give their lives to better us.
- Do we have a me-first attitude? Or do we remember the words of Jesus…”It is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35).
As parents of the generation-rising, we have a responsibility. It is our job to instill an attitude of gratefulness and stop passing the buck around. If we want a world where kindness looms, then we need to reflect within. What do we show with our own lives? Would others say that we’re kind?
How do you show kindness? What suggestions do you have to spread good cheer?
I’m a middle aged mom with a high school aged kid and a college aged kid. I’m not sure that I buy that kindness is lacking in this generation compared to previous ones. My peer group watched Mr. Rogers and I met all sorts of unkind individuals People who called me names, catcalled me as a 13 year old, and physically held me down to assault me. In my day teachers and parents did very little about bullying.
Certainly our President does his best to generate hatred and intolerance…….but there are many who speak out against his message.
I’m all for respect. I’m not for blindly respecting someone who does not act ethically in their position. Being taught to blindly respect someone makes a child vulnerable.
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First of all, I am genuinely sorry for the unkind experiences you encountered growing up. And I agree, there have always been unkind people around…and unfortunately, will continue to be so. And that may seem disheartening and overwhelming.
But I believe as a society we can be culture changers and be reapectful to others who have different opinions. I believe we can respectfully stand up for what is right. Diplomacy shouldn’t be thrown out the window….because what others have to say matters. And I think you matter too. Thank you so much for your feedback and thoughts.
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