Kindness

When you look back at your own childhood, can you remember a time when a classmate was belittled, teased, or ostracized? In my own childhood, I remember thinking less of these other kids because everyone else was always pointing out all of their flaws.  Even if I wasn’t mean to them myself, hearing all the negative things about them de-valued them in my eyes.  

As an adult, I realize that kindness can have the opposite effect.  When we see others being kind to someone, paying them a compliment, and including them, we think we should do the same. It helps us to see their value.

To lay the framework for this experience for your own child, you can use journal entries to show them on playdates, opening mail from loved ones, getting a hug from you or spending positive time with a big brother or sister.

You might also consider a back-to-school letter

or a visit to the classroom to teach the kids about your child’s diagnosis (if this is appropriate in your case and not embarrassing to your child). I could have sworn I wrote an entry on this topic, but I can’t find it right now. If I locate it, I’ll edit this post to link it here.  Visiting with the kids and allowing them to ask questions allows them to see your love for your child and lets them take on the role of friend and advocate when your child is at school.

Show kindness, model kindness towards your child, empower other people to understand and be kind themselves and your child will reap the benefits!