This simple yet powerful phrase serves as a gentle reminder for parents and educators to instill kindness and empathy in children from an early age. Teaching children that kindness comes in many forms — a smile, a word of encouragement, a small gift, or even helping someone in need — can shape their future character and sense of community. These small actions build a habit of compassion that lasts a lifetime.
Dr. Nadia Abdel Qader, an educator and the head of a secondary school, shares an important message for mothers:
“My dear friend, the mother and educator, teach your children from an early age that good deeds are not only about money. A kind word, a simple gesture like giving a flower, or helping a poor person with their needs are all acts of kindness. Teach them that even a smile is a form of doing good. Help them understand that love for goodness is a habit and a language of communication that fosters love and kindness among everyone."
How to Encourage Your Child to Do Good:
Encourage Helping Others:
Help your child identify those who are most in need, whether it’s providing food, giving a small amount of money, or offering assistance in some other form. Make them part of the process of planning how to help others.
Instill Empathy and Compassion:
Use stories and tales to help your child understand the feelings of others. Encourage them to put themselves in the shoes of someone who is less fortunate, which will cultivate their sense of empathy and understanding of hardship.
Teach the Value of Volunteering:
Encourage your child to participate in simple volunteer activities at school, the local club, or even organize community visits to hospitals, orphanages, or nursing homes.
Respect and Appreciate Their Efforts:
When you show your child respect, appreciation, and understanding, they are more likely to treat others the same way. Teach them to act with kindness, even toward those who are different or whom they may not fully understand.
Stories to Teach Goodness to Children:
Story 1: Ahmed and the Garden Flowers
In a small village surrounded by nature, lived a young boy named Ahmed, aged 9. Ahmed came from a fairly wealthy family and was given an allowance daily. He saved part of his money and spent some of it to do good. During his school holidays, Ahmed would collect beautiful flowers from his garden and gift them to the elderly villagers, spreading happiness and joy.
One day, he learned about a poor family in the village, struggling to make ends meet. Ahmed decided to help them with the savings from his pocket money. He bought food and clothes for the family, and even spent time playing with the children. Thanks to Ahmed’s kindness, the family’s situation improved.
Moral of the story: No act of kindness is too small, and even the smallest act can make a big difference in someone’s life. Good deeds live in the hearts of others and become part of your legacy.
Story 2: Do Good, No Matter How Small
In a distant land, there was a kind man who always sought to help others. One day, while walking down a road, he noticed a branch from a tree lying across the path, causing trouble for anyone passing by. Without hesitation, he decided to remove the branch. His small action prevented harm to others and was appreciated by many.
Moral of the story: Small acts of kindness, even ones that seem insignificant, have a big impact. We should always seek to ease the burdens of others, no matter how minor it may seem.
Story 3: Tarek and His Blind Friend, Omar
Tarek, a 9-year-old boy, loved his classmates and always treated them with kindness. This year, a new student, Omar, who was blind, joined his class. Tarek quickly became friends with Omar, offering help wherever he could. He invited Omar over for lunch with his mother, and they spent the day playing and talking. Tarek’s mother had taught him to be considerate and respectful to others, and he took this to heart.
At home, Tarek became more involved in helping Omar with his lessons and making sure he was not left alone during recess. Tarek realized that even though he had his sight, he could make a big difference by helping Omar feel included and supported.
Moral of the story: Goodness can come in many forms. It could be sharing a meal, offering a hand, or providing emotional support. Helping others makes both the giver and receiver feel happy and valued.
Final Thought:
The stories above teach that good deeds don't have to be grand or expensive to make an impact. Encouraging children to practice kindness in simple ways can build a lifetime habit of generosity, compassion, and empathy. Teach them that goodness is a language of love that can be communicated in various forms, and that no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
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