I want to share with you a letter I received that illustrates the joy of giving and gratitude from a child's simple act of kindness.
From a mother:
Today I bicycled to the grocery store with my three-year-old, Edward.
Outside the entrance sat a beggar with a paper cup. Edward approached him and said, "Hello, what are you doing?”
He talked to the man without fear, lightly, openly, and happy. The man smiled at my son and looked a little surprised.
When we had finished shopping, we went out, and again Edward approached the man and asked what he was doing.
When he looked into the man's paper cup, he saw the coins and happily asked, “Can I have one?”
The man continued to smile, picked out a coin, and handed it to Edward, who lit up with excitement.
Next to me stood an elderly woman who had watched the incident, and she said, “Usually I get angry every time he sits there, but that was very beautiful, and it made me think about my attitude.”
Edward waved to the man and said goodbye. The man was shining, and so was my son.
Positive Effects of Giving and Gratitude
This inspiring story demonstrates how even the smallest interactions can change perspectives and bring happiness to both giver and receiver.
Learn how to nurture empathy and gratitude in your children, creating a ripple effect of positivity in your community.
When we give, we are happier, even when we have little.
We can teach this to our children. And we can teach them to be grateful for the smallest gifts.
Want to learn more?
Learn how to raise children who are happy, loving, and responsible.
