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As school starts back up, I’ve created a list of my hopes and dreams for students everywhere. In a world that often values achievement and the individual, Kindness would like to be a reminder of the importance of community, interdependence and (no surprise here) kindness. As a mom of a nine-year-old with Down syndrome, I know it’s problematic for students with cognitive disabilities when schools, families, and societies place a premium on academic success. My awesome kid will never measure up. However, I imagine many of us share the hunch that a hyper-focus on individual achievement, grades, and preparing for college admissions might also be problematic for typically developing children. So this fall I hope that all students with and without disabilities: Feel a sense of belonging in their classrooms and at their dinner tables Work hard not to be better than others, but to be better for others Learn that helping feels good and can find opportunities to be the helper
Kindness Cafe is a place where we know that all people have gifts to share in the world. Let’s create spaces where children (and adults) are supported, loved, and given opportunities to contribute to their communities.
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