In this day and age of bullying, child
neglect, and other issues, re-inforcing the concept of kindness is
critical. Children are vulnerable, children are teachable – they
often emulate what they witness in adults within the sphere of
influence.
Therefore, we adults need to take
stock not only in how we treat our kids, but also how we treat other
adults and how we interact with pets in our own household, as well as
within our community.
The ASPCA
(American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
offers some tips for celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week with
children. For example, you and your kids can volunteer together at a
local shelter or rescue. Although you may not be able to walk dogs,
you can hold a bake sale or a collection drive, taking in donations
of money and items necessary to run the shelter. Inquire at your
local humane society or animal shelter (1) what their volunteer
guidelines are and/or (2) what items they currently need. Another
idea: spend time together as a family with your own pet – take a
walk, play in the park, or toss a ball in your backyard for awhile.
Pets need social interaction with their human families; remember to
take good care of your pets and involve your children in that care.
Your children may want to start a Kind
Club with their friends and develop projects to help the homeless
animals of your community.
Every year, nearly 7 million animals
enter shelters across this nation. What can you and your family do to
help these homeless creatures and the people who care for them? You
and your children can positively impact your community, and
therefore, the nation, by showing kindness to animals, and to other
people.
Find some other tips for teaching and
sharing kindness at
http://behumane.org/component/content/article/2-uncategorised/82-be-kind-to-animals
“Teach your children well,” are
part of the lyrics of a Crosby, Stills and Nash song. Those are words
we can all live by, so let's teach our children, and ourselves, to be
kind to others, both animals and people – when we do, we can all
live in a better world.