Acts of Kindness: How One Kid Demonstrates Inclusivity

Sharing is caring!

Last Updated on February 16, 2024 by The Smetz Files

Happy New Year!

If you’re like me, you’re making the final preparations for kids to return to school.

Laundry? Check!

I feel like I’ve done a thousand loads in the last two days!

Food prep and meal planning? Check!

Not only do the kids go back to school, but the holiday hiatus from practice and games ends this week, too. So, the meals are planned and the snacks are ready!

A Moment of Panic

Last night my fifth grader, G pulled his backpack from the closet and said, ‘oh yeah, I forgot to show you this.’

Alright, so if you’re a mom and you heard those words you likely panicked with a host of scenarios flashing in your mind.

I winced because I thought we had cleaned out their backpacks before stowing them in the closet for the break. I was terrified of what type of bacteria we had grown in the confines of his backpack, left completely neglected for two weeks in a dark closet. [It’s as though I’m drawing on prior experience! :)]

I exhaled as G pulled an envelope from his back. Like literally breathed a sigh of relief!

And then came the tears as he carefully explained an encounter he had on the final day of school before Christmas break.

As a fifth grader G was nominated to be on safety patrol in the mornings. This means once he gets to school he stands at the car rider drop off line and helps younger students out of their cars and directs them to class. This is the perfect job for him because G is a charismatic, outgoing kid.

Apparently over the last few months G has been responsible for getting a non-verbal student who is differently abled to his class. Their school campus is spread out, so getting around can be overwhelming. G mentioned this to us a few times, about how much he enjoys getting his friend to class. We loved hearing this given that we talk to our kids about being kind and inclusive to everyone.

An Unexpected Surprise

Back to the backpack surprise!

G handed me an envelope that was addressed to him with the title safety patrol under his name. Inside was a handwritten note and gift card from his friend’s parents. In it they wrote:

Dear G,

Thank you for being so kind and for helping our son. He cannot speak, but if he could I’m sure he would thank you also. I was also a safety patrol in school. 🙂

Please let your parents know this is a small gift for your kindness.

Parents

I told you tears welled in my eyes.

Here’s the thing, we expect our kids to be kind to others. At the end of the day we all want to be included. G was doing what was expected. But to this family, it was an opportunity to feel good about sending their kid to school. And I’m sure as a parent of neurotypical kids who gets anxious about sending them into new situations, this student’s parents have fears and anxiety on a whole other level.

As an educator I’ve seen the power of inclusion. I’ve also seen different students excluded.

Jay and I are immensely proud of G’s daily act of kindness and inclusivity.

I frequently write about parenting our two kids, especially as it pertains to their athletic efforts. Their sports adventures are some of our greatest joys. We have told our kids consistently, our goal is not to raise the best athlete on the field, but rather to raise good humans.

An example of kindness and inclusivity from college athletes we admire.

We expect them to work hard at school. And we try to provide opportunities for them to grow in their faith, engage in acts of service to others, and develop leadership skills and be involved in our small town community.

And in that thank you card was affirmation that our efforts are in part, coming to fruition.

Kindness & Inclusivity

So, if you’re talking to your kids about goal setting and intentions for the new year, I encourage you to name their acts of kindness. I read once everyone you meet is fighting a battle, thus be kind.

Here’s the thing, parenting is no joke! Comparison is an easy trap to fall in. My kids are not perfect, nor am I a perfect mother. Most days I pat myself on the back for keeping them alive! But, acts of kindness and inclusion go a long way.

How will you demonstrate kindness in the days ahead? Let me know in the comments.