Teaching Kindness in an Entitled World
We live in an entitled society. I’m not sure at what point it started but there are times when it feels like it’s taking over. People are either entitled to something or pointing fingers at why they haven’t accomplished a goal because it can’t be their fault after all. I know it’s always happened and will always be around but to sit back and let it go on feels wrong. It scares me, as a mom that my kids could fall into this way of thinking. Here’s the absolute truth about it all- Nobody owes you anything. Be grateful for the good things that come along. Be kind to people, even when you don’t think they deserve it. It’s tough sometimes, I know, but that doesn’t make it any less true..be kind
Teaching Graciousness
Graciousness doesn’t always come naturally. There are times when you have to step back and pause a moment before you respond so that you can see the situation in a different light.
I try (not always successfully) to pass this along to my kids. They are 5 and 3 so it’s not always the easiest thing to convey. I recently had to explain that we don’t buy a toy every time we are in Target. Let’s just say, it wasn’t the prettiest of situations at first…did I mention we go to Target a lot? It’s a struggle as any parent knows.
The Doll Kind
This past Christmas I came across a new doll from a company called The DOLL KIND. You choose a doll, it comes with tokens on one said it says “Pay It Forward” on the other it says “This is a token is a sign of (love, kindness, ect). The idea is, that your child shares these tokens with others. Their website has a great graphic on suggestions to do so-
AND…for each doll you buy one is donated to a less fortunate child. The donation sites include orphanages, hospitals, shelters and more throughout both the United States and other parts of the world.
I love this doll because it promotes kindness and thinking of others. It promotes taking the time out to ‘pay it forward’ and put a smile on someone’s face. My daughter loves to share these with people and a lot of times she tries to do it anonymously (which she came up with on her own). My son, who is 3 doesn’t quite get the whole concept but he’s learning it which fills my hear with joy.
We have Masha (The Grace Doll) and Jack (The Hope Doll). I love that not only are they adorable, but they teach a lesson as well. Not to mention that you get one, you give one. Teaching kindness and being mindful of it as well as graciousness takes time and even as adults we have to be reminded of it. This is a great way to open up that conversation with your child and use it as a reminder as well.
Masha & Jack⇑ ♥
One of the tokens that come in the pack 🙂
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Great piece, very important topic.
Thank you!
This is so true. Thanks for the post and reminders! It is something I struggle with definitely with my own kids (4 & 8). I’ll have to check out the dolls!
My mom always said, being kind doesn’t cost a thing.
So true!
HOW PRECIOUS. We’re all about giving in our family. Unfortunately, we’re guilty of giving just during the holidays, when we should be conscious to give year round. This is a perfect option for any time of the year. I love teaching my kids empathy and kindness.. the world can get a little selfish, so these are a nice change 🙂
I think we all fall into that a lot of times. There are a great any time of the year option. You can also just get the tokens for kids to give to someone (which I really like about the concept too?). Thank you for commenting!
It’s hard! Thanks for commenting!
Great advice! This topic needs to be discussed more often in this world.
Great ideas. And so important. Were we as instant-gratification-dependent when we were littles as kids now are?
I wonder that sometimes. I think that now, it’s much more accessible so it does happen more often. Great question to think about though!