Kindness Transforms Lives

Kindness transforms lives. It might transform the recipient but it most surely will transform the one who does the act of kindness. Emerson said,"One of the most beautiful compensations in life is that no man can help another without helping himself."

As we go about our busy days, every act of kindness towards a child will plant a seed of kindness in their heart. There is no better way to teach kindness than to be kind.

During the fifteen minute Exercising Values time with your children, see how many times and how many ways you can demonstrate kindness. Applaud your child's efforts, show them how to do a new movement, let them decide whether to be inside or out or to have music or not. Take some extra minutes to share in the day's story from great children's literature. Talk about other stories and examples such as contrasting the people who were kind to Black Beauty and those who were not. Talk about showing kindness to animals.

Take their hand and take them on a grand adventure even if it's just around the block. Make it memorable in some way. They will be happy to have your attention but you will be the one who feels good for exercising your kindness muscle. Just like a real muscle, it will grow when you do a bit more than the the time before. Make it a challenge to grow in kindness and not to be satisfied with the status quo.