You hear people saying that parents need to “teach their children to be kind”.
Do they need to teach them?
Or, if kids are safe, well cared for, and nurtured, might they be able to teach us, the adults, about kindness?
I know of one such child, Dexter, who is a shining example of KINDNESS and would be a terrific teacher on the subject to kids and adults alike! Dex is kind, friendly, and wise, which is why he was named a JUNIOR KINDNESS ACTIVIST!
Dexter, age 11, was doing just fine on his own, without any funds for his kindness missions. He and his friends pick up and recycle glass in their community. Isn’t that kind? He is also a great big brother to Vahn, and a super helper for his mom who has had medical issues the past couple of years.
But I wondered what Dex would do if he was given some money to use to spread kindness… What would this thoughtful, inquisitive child do?? So, I put my money where my mouth is, gave Dex $100 of Kindness Activist funds, and dubbed him an official Junior Kindness Activist! Here is the story of what he decided to do:
Dexter and his mom
brainstormed about the best way to use the money. He decided on a group called “Youth For
Tomorrow” (link to the organization Dex chose: Youth For Tomorrow ). Being a kid himself, Dex
obviously felt a connection with an organization that serves children.
Dexter chose several items
for the kids in the program, One of the things he used the funds for was JOURNALS
and pens for youth in the program. That act
alone shows his kind, caring heart. He
understands that the children being supported by “Youth For Tomorrow” are going
through very, very difficult times. And
he thought about something in his own life that helps him – journaling. I think it is so thoughtful that he chose to
share the gift of journals. Having a
safe space to express your thoughts and emotions can help you work out some of
the difficulties of life.
Along with the journals and pens, Dex is giving the kids in the program canvases to paint, gift cards, socks, and lotion. I think he did a great job of putting himself in those kids’ shoes and choosing gifts that they will like.
We could all learn a
lesson on kindness from Dexter. As he
says, KIND IS COOL!
I am proud of the Kindness that Dex shares in the world. If you know a child that you would like to nominate as a Junior Kindness Activist, please send their details to: kindnessactivist@gmail.com.
