The kindness of a friend is priceless.
Phrases like “pay it forward” and “random acts of kindness” have gained popularity.
Maurice Elias, a psychology professor at Rutgers University, is a promoter of kindness in schools.
He says,
“As a citizen, grandparent, father, and professional, it is clear to me that the mission of schools must include teaching kindness. Without it, communities, families, schools, and classrooms become places of incivility where lasting learning is unlikely to take place…. We need to be prepared to teach kindness, because it can be delayed due to maltreatment early in life.”
One seventh-grader from Phoenix, Arizona showed kindness to a friend in need.
She went above and beyond by planning a special surprise.
Haley Olson needed a best friend.
The young girl, one of seven children, does not always have the newest and coolest things.
Unfortunately, her time at Atkinson Middle School was difficult. Bullies made fun of Olson because she didn’t dress in “trendy clothes.”
“I always came home crying and stuff to my parents saying how I didn’t want to go to school anymore, I wanted to be home schooled,” Olson told FOX 10 Phoenix.
Luckily, there was a girl who helped change everything.
Mariah Andrew befriended Olson and quickly realized what the bullying was doing to her.
So Andrew decided she couldn’t stand by and watch Olson be a victim any longer.
She went home and gathered some items for a surprise after asking Olson for her sizes.
Andrew assembled a gift of clothing, shoes, and a backpack.
“I was jumping all over the place screaming how happy I was,” Olson explained.
Others have been inspired to reach out to Olson as a result of Andrew’s generosity.
According to FOX 10, Sonoran Smile Orthodontics donated free dental work.
“It made me feel happy at first and the day that I gave it to her, I was trying so hard not to cry,” Andrew shared.
Andrew is grateful to have Olson by her side.
“Being there whenever I needed her like her being a good friend when times were hard at school,” she shared.
According to Stop Bullying Now Foundation, “60% of middle school students say that they have been bullied,” and “160,000 students stay home from school every day due to bullying.”
Those figures are far too high. More young people like Mariah Andrew are needed to make a difference in the lives of other students.
Parents must teach their children to lead by example.
Kindness can be extended through friendship and inclusion.
And it can make all the difference.
And maybe, just maybe, those bullies will notice your kindness and want to reciprocate. You never know how a little love can change the world.
Each of us can help to teach kindness, especially to children.
One of the great benefits of this is happy, caring children. These joyful feelings are contagious, encouraging more kind behavior.
Watch the video below to get to know this kind-hearted girl!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family!
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=372994873534403&ref=sharing
