Justice, 30 Cents, and 25 Kindness Ideas for Kids
“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.” ~Ben Carson
We’re all looking for kindness in this world of ours. Well, most of us. So it’s good to know that there’s research that proves that kindness can be taught. Studies also show that, while 30-60% of kindness is genetic, the rest comes from life lessons and choices.
While scientific studies are great…. and the basis for Kindness Magnet, doesn’t it just become so much more ‘real’ when you read or hear a story that justifies the research?
This is the story of a 5 year old and 30 cents. Justice Smith, our hero’s father, graciously gave his permission to share it with you. (slightly edited)
From Justice Smith:
“I almost messed up big time. As our newly turned 5-year-old and I were coming back from the dentist, we saw a homeless man in the median. I wanted to give him money, but didn't have any cash on me so I just nodded my head and waved to him with a smile. Our son, Justus Mateo, noticed the man as well.
And then it happened... Uncoached, he insisted that I give the man the 30 cents he had in his pocket. It's almost as if he heard my thoughts and responded out loud...
I was more than happy he wanted to do this with joy (it means he's been watching), BUT honestly I was hesitant.
I didn't want to give this man who clearly needed all the help he could get, just 30 cents. My own pride and thoughts of the homeless individual's unknown reaction to receiving just two coins was standing in the way.
I quickly realized that I was the only problem in this situation…. and that the traffic light would turn green at any second.
I then thought to myself, "Dude get over it. This is what we've been teaching him and now that he wants to give everything he has to offer in this moment, you're going to let your personal self-centeredness ruin a possibly life-long, great memory and solid teaching moment? Leading by example is what we've been teaching him, so now, let him lead. Let him give what he can to this man..."
Listen, I almost told my son, "Let's wait to give until we at least have one dollar."
I almost told our son by my inaction that what he had wasn't enough...
I almost showed him that what he sees as a good thing…. and is in fact a good thing, isn't good enough to make a difference in someone's life.
I almost taught him that pride was more important than helping another human in need...
Thank God I quickly snapped out of that foolishness.
I rolled down my window, hoping that this individual wouldn't be offended or hurt that I only gave him the 30 cents. I then said, "I'm sorry man, I don't have any cash on me, but my son back here wants to give you everything he has right now. He just turned 5!"
And my God...
The smile on that man's face lit UP the intersection and he said to Justus, "God bless you little man! Thank you so much!"
But that's not all. Our son's pure and genuine act of kindness also caused a chain reaction behind us AFTER the light turned green in rush hour traffic- and it wasn't a chain reaction of people impatiently honking their horns!
The number of people who rolled down their windows last second after his gesture to give to this man was simply incredible. Oh yes, I was paying close attention to the rear view.
Our little boy, without even realizing it, reminded me once again by his actions that it's always about the heart. It doesn't matter how much you have or how little; giving in love and sincerity will often bless others more than we think.”
Justice Smith inspired me to put together 25 Free Kindness Ideas for Kids that you can use (or share!) to help your kids or grandkids or students practice (and have fun with) Kindness. None of these cost money to implement. Let me know which ones you like the best! As always, if you need help with the download, please reply to this email and let me know. I’ll be happy to send it your way.
As I learned more about the Smiths, it became clear that kindness runs in their family. Justice’s wife, Shaylla, is completing her first children’s book, teaching children to love and value themselves, no matter what the world throws at them.
And in addition to being an amazing parent, Justice is an accomplished R&B singer, sharing his message of love with the world. Enjoy his top 10 hit, ‘What If’.
May your week be filled with kindness. 💜
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This little story was so inspiring, I shared it with six people. Thank you for touching my heart.
From Sharron at Substack LEAVES.
Another nice story. Good timing!