Kindness & My Favorite Quote

Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness. - George Sand

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This is one of my favorite quotes. I jotted it down almost 10 years ago and it has been hanging on my refrigerator on the same scrap of paper ever since. It is meant to be a reminder for me to express kindness toward others on a daily basis.

Here are my musings about the quote and how I think it might apply to you!

For Children and Teens   

What might schools be like if students exhibited these qualities toward their peers and teachers? How much more enjoyable could sports and playtime be for children?

This concept is so important for children and teens to learn as they grow and develop. But how do children learn to express kindness? Please read on!

For Parents

Children learn how to exhibit kindness to others by the example modeled for them at home and in the community. The way you treat the store clerk, other drivers and your family will influence how your children interact with others.

Please understand: I am not asking you or your child to be perfect. Everyone loses their temper and says things they do not mean. Use these times as a learning experience for yourself and a teaching moment for your child. Apologizing and exhibiting grace for others’ mistakes are wonderful behaviors to model for your children.

For Anyone

This concept is not only beneficial for families. I find that my own professional and personal interactions are better and more genuine when I try to be kind to others.  My days tend to go smoother even if others do not extend kindness to me. Don’t get me wrong, try as I might, I fail miserably sometimes. The best thing we can all do on those days is to keep trying, and apologize when needed.

What is one way you can work to show kindness to others this week? I’ll be working on this with you, especially when I am driving. Let’s do this together!

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Bethany Raab is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Denver, Colorado.