Teach Them How To Be Kind

Twenty years ago, my sister and I walked this same playground together, just as my girls are now. We were atypical in the way of being twins. To the other children, we stuck out as different. They didn’t understand how we could look and act so much alike.

Now add in that we were raised by a single mother, our father was gone and struggled with addiction. Most of the time our family was in survival mode.

My mom always tells the story of the time she drove by the playground, and we stuck out like sore thumbs. Everyone else had on new bright winter coats and we were in hand-me-down rags. She wanted to give us more, but money was so thin.

Kids were not always so nice because of our differences. Many of the other kids had a traditional middle-class childhood and did not know what to make of us.

My children will have somewhat of an advantage since financially we are in a much better place, but will wearing new clothes and having married parents be enough to prevent them from being bullied since autism is in the picture?

Will children make fun of Avery for stimming or acting different? Skylar doesn’t have autism, but will her classmates tease her because of her sister? Being a kid is hard enough without a developmental disorder setting you apart.

I often think back to high school where kids could be even meaner. There was a boy that others liked to harass. He would sit in the corner quietly to himself and people would walk up and kick, point, and laugh.

I wish I could go back and stand up for him or get a teacher who cared. Thinking of my daughter in his spot makes my heart hurt so bad it could break in half. I share this to remind everyone that we can do better.

We must do better.

I cling to the idea that things are different now. Kids will be nicer to my girls. Teachers will have to do better about protecting our vulnerable children. It’s 2022 for crying out loud.

With the start of school coming around the corner, or even starting now for some, I wish to spread the message of kindness. It starts with us as adults educating our children.

Show them how to be kind.

Teach them how to be kind.

Embrace people’s differences. Include those who have disabilities. If you’re afraid or unsure about a behavior or situation, it’s okay to ask and learn. Sometimes things can be less frightening or alarming with some education.

Have that very important conversation on how amazing kindness is. I know school is about climbing social ladders and clicks, but there are ways to do this while being kind.

Teach them how to notice bullying behavior. How to realize when someone is being unkind. What can they say? Who can they get to help?

Childhood is just a short part of our lives, yet so impactful. We will all be nicer humans if we are kind to others and others are kind to us.