HOPE FOR THE HOME: Kindness is a priceless jewel to teach children

Parents: There is a serious discipline problem in the school where our children attend. They are constantly sharing with us how unkind some of their peers are toward each other and even their teachers. We have raised these concerns with the school principal and the school board’s administrative team. Other parents have also brought the issue to their attention. Despite our efforts, the situation has not improved. Our children are being directly affected by the harsh behavior and disrespect due to the behavior of other students. How can kindness and respect be taught to children who consistently behave unkindly?  

Jerry: Your concern as parents is certainly justified. It is difficult for any child to be in a situation where the behavior of certain students creates a hostile environment for everyone. This is even more challenging for teachers who recognize the sources of their students’ conduct and are not permitted to address them. Unkindness and disrespect in the classroom begin with unkindness and disrespect in the living room. Kindness is more caught than taught.

Becky: Kindness springs from a heart of goodness which is first experienced in the home. A child who is unkind and disrespectful at school most likely has never experienced the opposite at home. Sadly, some children have never known a healthy home. Angry words are spoken, abuse is masqueraded as discipline, and communication is one sided. The cycle can only be broken when children have caring, sensitive relationships with those who have spiritually and emotionally healthy homes. If this does not occur these children will become adults and eventually begin their own families. Most likely they will repeat the same mistakes and cause the same hurts. The remedy for unkindness is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is why a Christian home is the foundation for a marriage, an education, a vocation, and a nation.

Jerry: When God’s word instructs His people to be kind, He is not referring to a warm fuzzy feeling of pity for someone else. He is talking about an action toward another human being. Ephesians 4:32 tells us, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” A family that treats one another with kindness leaves an example for future generations. The same principle applies to the schoolhouse and classroom. When faculty and students exhibit kindness toward each other it filters down the halls and sets the tone for those who will follow. Only those who have received salvation by God’s kindness in Christ Jesus have the spirit of God and can show His kindness to others. May it be so not only in our classrooms but our living rooms as well.

Dr. Drace and his wife Becky are on American Family Radio weekdays at 4:20 PM (CT) and on Sundays at 5:35 PM (CT). You can freely subscribe to their podcast at Apple Podcast, Spotify, or directly at HopoefortheHome.org/podcast. Check out their resources for the family at HopefortheHome.org. Becky’s latest book, “The Bright Side of Blue” and Dr. Drace’s, “44 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage” offer biblical principles and timely advice for dealing with the challenges and trials of life. You may order these and other resources by contacting them at: hopefor thehome.org, or directly at: jdeainc@juno.com.