Author: Heather
Category: Family
Published Date: 01/20/2018
Comments: 49
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Our Kids Can Teach Us So Much
The other day, we were at our local playground. The place was packed with kids running around, swinging, sliding and playing hide and go seek. Everyone was having a blast except for one little boy, who was playing all by himself. He was watching all of the other kids run around together and he just sat there, alone, while his caretaker talked with another parent. My 5-year-old noticed him immediately and ran right over to him, introduced herself and asked him to play with her. I watched his face transform and loved the smile that my daughter was able to bring to his face. She didn’t care what he looked like, what he was wearing, what country he was born in or what religion he was. She just knew he was a little boy who looked like he needed a friend and she was going to be that friend.
When you’re a child, you don’t see color and you don’t see differences. You see the opportunity to make a friend, have fun, laugh and play together. Can you imagine if grown-ups acted the same way? What would happen if we stopped judging and targeting people because of what they look like, where they were born or what they believe in and just got to know them as a human being? Wouldn’t things be so much better?
Let’s Get Back to Basics
Times are changing and while we’ve come so far over the last century, we also have so far to go. Recently, I even feel like we’re moving backward and that terrifies me. I want my girls to grow up in a country that celebrates different cultures and different races. I want them to continue to love people for who they are on the inside and not what they look like on the outside. I know it’s possible. We just need to get back to basics.
My family lost loved ones in the Holocaust because one man decided he didn’t like certain people. He thought he had the right to try to change the world and rid it of these particular people, because they didn’t fit his idea of the perfect world. It’s scary to think that there are people still out there with this same mindset. It’s scary knowing that these people have the power to make decisions that can cost people their freedom or even their lives.
I know there is so much love and kindness in our country, we just have to spread it. Introduce yourself to a stranger. Lend a hand to someone who is struggling. Smile at the person in the car next to you. Buy a coffee for the person behind you or donate that $5 you were going to spend on your coffee, to a charity. Volunteer your time doing something that will make a difference. But most importantly, teach your children to do the same. Teach them that all people deserve respect. Teach them to learn about different cultures. Teach them to love. We have the power to change the world, we just have to believe in ourselves.
What do you think we can you do differently to change the world? Comment below! I’d love to hear your ideas.
Hello There!
Hi! I’m Heather, Mom of 3, professional snack opener, the only person who knows where everything is in my house and part-time magician (I can turn a bunch of candy into a gift basket and everyone thinks it’s amazing). I share a mix of parenting moments, easy recipes, crafts, and DIY home decor projects.
Around here, we love turning ordinary stuff into extraordinary gifts, from candy box baskets and birthday punch boards to homemade advent calendars and other crafty chaos that somehow always works out.
Welcome to The Super Mom Life — where the projects are fun, the coffee is strong, and the laughter is pretty much required for survival. Don't forget to follow us on social media!
The world in someways is most definitely a scary place. I sometimes, like you feel in ways we are taking steps back instead of forwards. I hope one day we can right the wrongs.
Parents are the child’s greatest teacher. If we set the example, they will follow.
There’s so much happening nowadays that we tend to forget to go back to the basics where we are all human and breathe the same air. We might look different but that’s why it’s perfect otherwise there would be nothing to talk about.
Author
I also think that social media has caused a lot of us to forget that there is someone with real feelings at the other end of the post.
My daughter did something similar when she was that age. She would always be the first to greet kids when they were new to her AWANA club. As she has gotten older, it saddens me that she has become more shy and too concerned about what others think to do this as often. But she is still outgoing and friendly. That tween age is tough!
Honestly? I think our world sucks. Everyone is so angry and hostile. I just want us to be better. Admit when you’re wrong, apologize, accept apologies, don’t be overly sensitive, respect other people’s opinions and their differences, and be the best you can be. I think if we start there, it would be nice.
Author
I couldn’t agree with you more!
Your daughter always makes me smile so I can imagine her brightening up that boy’s day. I have learned so much from our kids who are all so inclusive.
Author
That is so sweet. She has an old soul for sure!
I think it is so important to allow children to be children and play with everyone, learn new things, and enjoy life. I think that celebrating compassion in the home is a big first step to embracing differences. Your daughter sounds like a very special little girl that is on her way to change the world for the better.