Written by: Pastor James

Welcome to another Friday edition of “Growing Greatness,” where we help parents and grandparents inspire #BeAmazing kids! This week, we’re shining a spotlight on a value that truly changes the world—Kindness.

Why Kindness Matters

Kindness is more than just being “nice”—it’s about seeing others, caring deeply, and taking action to make someone’s day better. In a world that often feels hurried or divided, kindness is a superpower that every child can use, every single day.

The Bible reminds us in Ephesians 4:32:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

When we teach our children to be kind, we’re helping them build empathy, self-worth, and strong relationships that last a lifetime.

How to Encourage Kindness at Every Age

For Young Children (Ages 3–7):

• Model Kindness: Let your little ones see you being kind—whether it’s holding the door, sharing a smile, or saying “thank you.”
• Name Kind Acts: Point out and praise kind behavior (“That was so kind of you to share your toy!”).
• Story Time: Read books about kindness together and talk about how the characters make others feel.

For Elementary Kids (Ages 8–12):

• Kindness Challenges: Encourage your child to do one kind thing each day—help a friend, write a thank-you note, or clean up without being asked.
• Talk About Feelings: Discuss how acts of kindness make both the giver and receiver feel.
• Serve Together: Volunteer as a family at a local food bank, church, or neighborhood project.

For Teens (Ages 13+):

• Encourage Inclusion: Talk about how being kind means including others, especially those who might feel left out.
• Discuss Real-Life Examples: Share stories of people in Memphis (or beyond) who made a difference through simple acts of kindness.
• Empower Them: Challenge your teen to start a kindness project at school, church, or in the community.

How Do You Inspire Kindness in Your Family?

Every family has its own rhythm and ways of showing care. Some kids love to make cards, others enjoy helping with chores, and some shine brightest when they’re cheering up a friend. The goal is to make kindness a habit—a natural part of daily life.

As the saying goes, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” When we teach our kids to lead with kindness, we’re preparing them to be peacemakers, bridge-builders, and world-changers.

Spreading Kindness Across Memphis

Memphis is a city with a big heart. Imagine the impact if every child in our city made kindness their mission! Share this article with your friends, family, and church community, and let’s spark a kindness revolution—one small act at a time.

Let’s keep growing greatness together—one kind child, one loving family, one united city at a time!

Look for next week’s article on Courage—coming Friday!

Blessings,
Pastor James