Often times, the drive home from school is where I get the best information about my children’s day. This year, my son is in grade 4 and has a few new classmates; one of whom is in a wheelchair.
This is the first time my son has had someone in his class with a physical disability. I want my son to have a kind heart, and understand that a disability is just that – but it doesn’t change who the person is inside. I worry that fourth grade children may not have the same understanding as adults have, and I want to ensure the student is always treated with kindness, especially by my son. So I ask questions, encourage discussion on those drives home, and sometimes… moments are made.
Last week, I asked my son about his day and he mentioned playing dodge ball in gym class. Out of curiosity I asked, “What does (the girl in the wheelchair) do during gym class?”
Does he notice?
“Oh! Well today in dodge ball she pointed to which ball she wanted and her helper pushed her over to get it.”
Satisfied with that observation, I was going to change the subject but he continued, “And this one time, she and I were going for the same ball, but I let her have it.”
In that moment, I could have pulled the car over and hugged my son. It’s just one small gesture but he showed me, in that after-school chatter, that he is a boy with compassion. I can only hope that those little moments of simple kindness are what turn into big moments of making someone’s day, of changing how they feel and ultimately making a difference. Truly, if we can plant those seeds early, they will –and do— grow into something quite magnificent.
Instead, I smiled and told him I was really proud of him for being kind that day and that I’m sure the student appreciated it as well. I reminded him how happy moments like that make me, and encouraged him to find other ways to reach out to her.
We are, however, still working on the same kindness within the sibling relationship. We’re getting there.
That is so sweet 🙂
Clearly you’re doing something right. <3 He's amazing, just like you!
Thanks Cheryl, and thanks for your feedback on my questions about Jillian and advocacy!
You’re raising a good little man! Hopefully he teaches his friends how to be as compassionate as he is.
That is so wonderful!
Wow, we all need a little compassion!
very sweet story a proud mommy moment. I always tried to teach my kids to stand by and help those they see that really need it and I think through the years they have done that.
Always refreshing to hear about kids who’s parents are taking the time to raise ‘good eggs’. We hear so much about bullying and whatnot…this is wonderful
It’s a beautiful thing when children show so much understanding and kindness.
Such a sweet story!! Brought tears to my eyes!
I can only hope that my son would react in the same way if ever in this situation!
Beautiful.. You’ve raised him well. 🙂
thanks for sharing this amazing blog post. you must be very proud of your son!
Such a proud Mommy moment! With so much bullying that goes on, it is so nice to hear a story like this. Give him an extra big hug tonight from all of us!!
That’s really sweet. I was once that little girl in the wheelchair playing dodge ball. I’m now a woman on wheels with the happy memories that were given to me by children like your son.
aww..my heart is melting…what a kind heart….hope my LO will be like that in the near future 🙂
What a sweetheart!! Yes, you must be very proud!
What a cute little boy and I think it is great that the little girl is able to participate in all things at school!
Great story (and son!)! I hope kids will start to be kinder to each other more often – there is too much bullying these days!
Awww that’s a very sweet story. We need to remind people that a kind act goes a long way!
I love that kids can be kind and caring and have a big heart – they’ll grow up to be the same as adults!
It melts my heart when I see acts of kindness, especially in kids because they are learning early!
Your raising a fine young man! You should be very proud!
never fail to tell them how awesome these actions are and they will be repeated. well done.
You kids sound awesome just like their momma
That is an awesome post! What a good boy you have 🙂 Its hard these days because kids can be so mean, and really they only do what they are taught 🙂 Great job!!!
A great post to share with us! You have done a really lovely thing in raising your children in this way. This is the type of education that we need for all of our children. Promote kindness and not tolerate bulling.
awe how sweet
what a great post! You clearly are doing a great job raising your kids!
That’s great to hear a lovely story like this, what a nice little boy you have 🙂
That sounds like a great moment between you two. It seems like you’ve done a great job with instilling values in your kids. That photo makes me laugh 🙂
It’s great to see a break from all the angry, toxic, complaining posts that we see so often in the news or wherever. Thanks for posting such a great story.
Cute picture lol. What a great thing shreddies is doing!!
This is great, love paying it forward
This is a wonderful!!
Isn’t it nice to know that you have raised a decent and kind person who will grow into a good man? Good work!
He was obviously raised very well to have the compassion and understanding. Well Done! I have 2 boys and they never cease to surprise me. Such a Feel good Share. Thank You.
very sweet 🙂
I’m glad to see this addressed. This is probably a topic that no one has really discussed. I think your son is amazing, like his Mom!! Rest assured you’re doing a fine job Mommy!
If only all parents took such care and concern in raising not just a great kid, but a great human being!
So heartwarming! 🙂 You’re a wonderful mom!
very beautiful!
Most – I like there is goodness in all Canadians. It has been a bit of a tough day believing in that. Thanks for a very prominent reminder or what is simple and should be so visable.
what an amazing child.. wish there was more out there
That’s so sweet! Someone is doing a great job raising him.
Awesome story!
That’s nice. Too bad most people don’t have compassion like that.
Such a great story!
I think kids are curious about differences when they are young. They have to be told to hate. Watch for the bad influences and his natural kindness can flourish 🙂
sounds like an amazing boy) compassion and kindness are such wonderful qualities
What a wonderful young man you have! Thank you for sharing!
you know you have done a good job when your kid does something nice like that
Well its easy to see you are bringing your kids up the proper way and you should be proud. You are a great mom and the kids will be fine. That was very nice of your son to do what he did for that girl.
Good job mom.This is so inspiring and it’s a very touching story.You are a fantastic mom!
Great article! He’s a great kid. Kindness is such an easy behaviour to teach, if we are aware and lead by example. Help our children develop this very important social quality so that they may be inspirational to others and have a positive impact on the world.