If you see a kid do something nice, tell their parent


If a stranger has ever approached you to let you know how kind or polite your kid was that day, you know how good it feels. So pass it along!

Every morning, I send my boys out into the world. And every day, I worry about them.

I don’t walk my kids into school, and I don’t do the car line either. I drop them a block away and, if the coast is clear, they sprint down the sidewalk until they reach the crossing guards. Then they wait patiently and proceed carefully through the busy four-way stop leading to the main building. They’ve been doing this for years, but my oldest graduated to middle school and now rides his bike most mornings, so these days, my youngest runs that dark pathway alone.

One particular morning, my little guy had a special project due, which included a model and tri-fold board about an iconic North American landform. He needed some help with the haul, so I parked in my normal spot a block away, and I joined him on the short jaunt to class.

After getting him settled and bidding farewell, I retraced my steps. But to my surprise, the crossing guard stopped me to confirm if he was, indeed, my child. Hesitantly, I nodded, wondering if she was about to scold me for bypassing the dreaded car line.

“I’ve been crossing your son for a while now,” the crossing guard said. “And I just need to tell you that he’s the sweetest kid. Always smiling and polite. I just love him to death.”

And even though it’s a small thing, those words made my day. Maybe my week. In fact, my insides went all soft and gooey, and my eyes may have turned a bit misty.

Maybe that sounds extreme. But every day, as I watch him run to school, my chest squeezes a little.

You see, that kid has more challenges than most. And he has so, so many reasons to be angry or unpleasant.

He was born with an uncommon digestive disorder called Hirschsprung Disease. He’s had some big surgeries and lots of meds and invasive treatments. His latest regimen hasn’t been working, and the next option was already denied by our insurance. Now, even his doctors can’t agree on a course of action, and we’re stuck in the middle with a little boy whose body doesn’t function quite like the rest of ours.

Managing his medical condition at school can be tricky. And unpleasant. And so very stressful.

Yet first thing in the morning, before the sun’s even made an appearance, my kiddo stops mid-stride to wait for the crossing guard. He greets her with a grin and wishes her a good day. And, even though it’s just a blip in his daily routine, I can see it’s really had an impact on her, a bright spot she can count on every morning.

Gosh, if only she knew the full story and just how miraculous his little smile is.

I’m so glad she told me!

I’ve read that praise and positive reinforcement have lasting benefits for kids, so I try to point it out when I catch a child doing something good. And sometimes I will text their parents, too, if I know them well enough. Because it validates our hard work and can even feel like a balm over our worries and doubts—at least, that’s how it feels for me.

But today I remembered another reason those reassuring words are so important: because there might be a whole lot more to the story than you’ll ever know. That child, that family, may have struggles, anguish and heartache you’ll never know about.

So the next time you catch a child or teenager choosing to act in a way that’s kind, polite or helpful, especially when there’s no real motivation to do so, please please please tell their parent or caregiver. I can just about guarantee, it will make their day. It certainly made mine.

This story was originally published in 2020.





Source link

toysforgirls

Toys for Girls

toysforboys

Toys for Boys

craftsupplies

Craft Supplies

babywalker

Baby Walkers

best toothpaste tablets
Best Toothpaste Tablets 2024 – Today’s Parent
tick spray
Best Kid-Safe Spray for Ticks
GettyImages 1191574624
Can You Overfeed a Breastfed Baby?
og image default
7 Books About Kindness for Kids
TP x Belize 1
5 Reasons Why Belize Should Be Your Next Family Vacation Destination
14 Easter Basket Stuffers for Kids
Easter Basket Stuffers for Kids
1 4
14 Kid-Friendly Easter Recipes Ideas to Try
clek foonf
Best Toddler Car Seat 2024
Nicknames for Victoria
250+ Cute, Funny, And Creative Nicknames For Victoria
Top Last Names That Start With J
250+ Top Surnames Or Last Names That Start With J
Persian last names
150+ Popular Persian Last Names Or Surnames, With Meanings
Southern last names
200+ Top Southern Last Names And Meanings
Summer Fun Takes Flight with Viviana Malls Science Fiesta
Summer Fun Takes Flight with Viviana Mall’s Science Fiesta
15 Rebus Puzzles For Kids With Answers And Tips To Solve 2
15 Rebus Puzzles For Kids, With Answers And Tips To Solve
Child temperament is unique for each child
Traits, Types, And Tips To Manage
Sharks are the top predators in the ocean
50 Fun And Interesting Shark Facts For Kids To Know
TP x Tena
I peed my pants at the trampoline park
canadian parents drink less alcohol
Canadian parents are being told they drink way too much and REALLY?!
marie curie science roundup 750x422
Can role playing encourage girls in STEM?
best new period products feature
12 cool and sustainable period products to help manage your flow
maxresdefault
Expresso Show LIVE | Parenting Advice | 9 June 2021 | FULL SHOW
maxresdefault
Daily English Conversation in Parent Teacher Meeting.
maxresdefault
SMART PARENTING HACKS AND CRAFTS #shorts
maxresdefault
Parenting styles Psych 2015