Often when Jordan and I are in the car together, she hears me telling people at the bus stop to have a nice day or profusely thanking and blessing the people who let me in their lanes. Jordan typically reminds me that these people can't hear what I am saying since the windows are up and we are driving by. But I tell her I like to say nice things and perhaps these people are feeling my good vibes.
As much as I can, I try to let cars turn in front of me, so much so that Jordan will sometimes ask why I did not let a car go. Most of the time it is because traffic is moving, and doing so could cause an accident. But she gets that it is a nice thing to do. And it is such a simple thing to do.
The "theme" for Jordan's school this year is kindness. I truly believe if we could all make an effort to be kinder, the world would be a better place. I sometimes wonder what makes people unkind. Are we all too busy in our lives to let a person with a couple of items go ahead of us in line? Is it that important that we get to our destination one minute sooner so we therefore cannot let that person merge into our lane? Can we not say hi to our neighbors and strangers alike? Can't kids let another child join their group? Why don't mothers who have been buddies since last year chat with moms of new students?
Jordan told me the other day that A, a girl in the other first grade class, said she hated one of Jordan's friends, B. I said to Jordan that A clearly did not listen to Sister and Father at mass that morning when they talked about being kind. I also asked Jordan why A said such a mean thing, and Jordan said A said B was weird or something. Then Jordan said she told A that that was not a nice thing to say.
I was glad Jordan stood up for her friend, but it left me feeling sad that a young girl can be so mean. And I also wondered if A would now be mean to Jordan because she stood up for B. A few months ago, Jordan ran into A at the church festival and hugged her, a little excessively. I could see A giving Jordan an annoyed look, but fortunately Jordan did not notice this. But I did, and it bothered me. Jordan was just trying to be nice, though I did tell Jordan in front of A that a simple hug was enough.
I tell Jordan over and over again that she does not have to be everyone's friend, but she does have to be kind to everyone as much as she can. I am trying to practice what I preach. Every day, I try to do the right thing. Sometimes I fail. But I keep trying.
As much as I can, I try to let cars turn in front of me, so much so that Jordan will sometimes ask why I did not let a car go. Most of the time it is because traffic is moving, and doing so could cause an accident. But she gets that it is a nice thing to do. And it is such a simple thing to do.
The "theme" for Jordan's school this year is kindness. I truly believe if we could all make an effort to be kinder, the world would be a better place. I sometimes wonder what makes people unkind. Are we all too busy in our lives to let a person with a couple of items go ahead of us in line? Is it that important that we get to our destination one minute sooner so we therefore cannot let that person merge into our lane? Can we not say hi to our neighbors and strangers alike? Can't kids let another child join their group? Why don't mothers who have been buddies since last year chat with moms of new students?
Jordan told me the other day that A, a girl in the other first grade class, said she hated one of Jordan's friends, B. I said to Jordan that A clearly did not listen to Sister and Father at mass that morning when they talked about being kind. I also asked Jordan why A said such a mean thing, and Jordan said A said B was weird or something. Then Jordan said she told A that that was not a nice thing to say.
I was glad Jordan stood up for her friend, but it left me feeling sad that a young girl can be so mean. And I also wondered if A would now be mean to Jordan because she stood up for B. A few months ago, Jordan ran into A at the church festival and hugged her, a little excessively. I could see A giving Jordan an annoyed look, but fortunately Jordan did not notice this. But I did, and it bothered me. Jordan was just trying to be nice, though I did tell Jordan in front of A that a simple hug was enough.
I tell Jordan over and over again that she does not have to be everyone's friend, but she does have to be kind to everyone as much as she can. I am trying to practice what I preach. Every day, I try to do the right thing. Sometimes I fail. But I keep trying.
Comments
I encourage Jordan to play with a variety of kids, and if another kid tries to join their group, I suggest Jordan invite that person to play with them. But I also tell J if she really doesn't want to play with someone to tell them in a nice way. I *think* she does that, but I have seen too many times kids just being plain mean.