Welcome to The Character Issue for October. This month we have a character duo of Kindness and Respect. They really do go hand-in-hand. It can be problematic to have one without the other. Can you speak to someone respectfully but not kindly? Try it. Does it really sound respectful? Is your act of kindness towards someone truly kind if you do not value and respect them? Ask your kids these questions; see what they say.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” — Aesop
Kindness:
Recognizing that relationships are core to who we are becoming, and therefore being tender, courteous, helpful, forgiving and compassionate towards others and self. Looking for the goodness in all. Being unselfish and generous.
Catch Phrase: “Be Nice.”
Want to encourage more kindness in your home? Here’s a fun resource with some acts of kindness that kids can do.
100 Acts of Kindness for Kids
Challenge them to try one a day; maybe have them later reflect on the experience. Did they make someone smile? How did they feel after they did it? Was there any change in their relationship with that person? What else would you add to the list? Kindness can be contagious. Let’s spread it around.
“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves.” — Amelia Earhart
Respect:
Showing high regard, value and appreciation for authority, others, self and property.
Catch Phrase: “You don’t have to like or agree with everyone, but you do need to treat them with respect.”
I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.”
― Albert Einstein
Looking for more character discussion starters? Here’s a few questions that tie in with our literature, Don Quixote, that will hopefully get your kids thinking more about kindness and respect.
- Does anyone truly respect Don Quixote?
- Does he deserve respect?
- What do you think about Don Quixote’s “heroic” acts? Would you consider them kind?
- Are Don Quixote’s friends kind to him?
- How would you feel if you were Sancho Panza?
Kindness Respect
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