Kindness sounds like a simple word, but it is the most important quality of a human being. It is the summation of all positive human qualities. Kindness is the manifestation of man’s gift of intellect, will, and language – things that delineate us from other members of the kingdom Animalia.
It is futile to attempt to give an abstract definition of the word. It is more beneficial to know how kindness looks and sounds, when and where it is needed, or how and why we need to practice it. It’s only when we understand kindness as a verb – something put into action will we be able to grasp the real meaning of the word.
Here are practical ways to show kindness at different stages in life.
Young Mothers
You never know what will become of your children in the future, but whatever you do with them from the moment they are conceived to that time they leave the nest, or however much time you spend with them – even just a scrap of time – can have lasting effect on them.
Read to your baby even if he is still in the womb. Read good information that uplift the spirit. Sing or play some instruments such as wind and string instruments. Walk slowly and talk to your baby constantly. If you are calm, happy, and upbeat so will your baby.
When your baby is born, continue singing lullabies to him. You want your baby to know you by your voice. Make it a practice to touch or stroke your baby’s hair or forehead as you smile, talk, or read with him. Carry him in your arms everyday while you are together. He needs to feel secure and loved. It is fine to put him on the crib or in the baby basket once in a while, but there is no substitute to the loving arms that will cradle him.
Young Parents
When your child is in the primary grade, you as parents have all the power to influence your child’s way of thinking. Seize this opportunity to teach your child right from wrong.
Take your little one to his school. Give him a kiss and a hug before he goes to his classroom. Tell him to do his best at school and be obedient to his teachers. Tell him to smile and befriend other kids. When it is time to pick him up, be there on time. Hug your kid and ask how his day went. If his day did not go well, remind him that he gets another chance of a good day tomorrow.
When your child is in middle school, motivate him to get involved in any extra-curricular activity. Let him play chess, basketball, hockey, soccer, football, dance, choir, and the like. Take him to his games. Cheer for his team. Comfort him when he or his team loses the game. It is better for a child to get preoccupied with any of the extra-curricular activities than staying idle in the house.
You do not like your child to grow up not getting involved in anything. You would want him to belong to a group. Being kind means preparing your child to manage his time and to work with a team. It also means following the rules, working hard for the win but conceding a loss graciously.
If your child is in high school, be kind by not giving in to impulsive decisions he makes. Be kind by being firm or strict. Your high school kid sometimes wants to get out of the house and be with friends. If your child asks to go for a sleep over at a friend’s house, and you do not know this friend nor his parents, or you simply feel he is not safe there, do not allow him. If he wants to drive your car, do not automatically give him the key. He is a new driver and anything can happen. Sometimes, being kind means curtailing your child’s freedom to do whatever he wants. Teach your child that freedom means knowing boundaries or limits.
Children
Your business is to learn from anybody who has lived life longer than you did. Being kind means being obedient. Heed to your parents’ advices. Trust that your well being is foremost in your parents’ heart. Trust in their wisdom and life experiences. Learn and obey them.
If your parents are not good models to you, there are other adults in the community to look up to. Be vigilant and seize opportunities to listen to and learn from teachers, community leaders, fellow students, and other parents. Attend community affairs, volunteer in shelters, donate to food banks, care for your younger siblings if you have the time, make time to help your parents any way possible.
Do not give your parents a hard time. Do your part by doing well at school. Be in good company. Shun away from ‘friends’ who would lead you to do something illegal or unfavorable.
Depending on your age or the roles you play in society, be aware of the many ways by which you can observe kindness. Be kind by showing care and affection to others. Be kind by being a good example to others especially the young. Be kind by doing what is expected of you to do. Be kind by obeying those in authority. If you are in authority, be kind by not taking advantage of others.
Kindness can only be understood when we put it to action. Let us endeavor to do some intentional acts of kindness everyday.
This Borrowed Scrap of Time 