The Daddy & Family Magazine Winter 2014 Issue #1 | Page 68

having a really crappy day, when I reach out, when I get that smile back from another person, it makes me feel better. Sort of
like the song says, right? Just Smile.
I have watched my children pick up money that strangers have dropped and chase them down to give it back to them. My son,
who is often absent-minded and will frequently get in other people’s ways when we are out in public, always apologizes. I
usually have to make him aware of what he did, but once I do, he always says that he is sorry, and usually it comes along with a
“Sir” or a “Ma’am”. My youngest daughter is knocking herself out trying to collect money for charity right now. Yesterday she
sold her dollhouse to collect money for Camp Sunshine.
It gives me immense joy to know that my kids are kind kids. Not just because I can be proud of their interactions with strangers,
but also because I know that it is going to bring them happiness in their lives. They aren’t perfect by any means. They still have
their sibling angst. They argue and behave poorly towards each other. They do eventually apologize and make up though. They
care; they have empathy for other human beings. Remind yourself to be kind, especially when your kids are watching. Notice
others and be good to them. Your children will follow suit and their generation will be far greater than our own.